Artsfest or cultural bankruptcy?

Artsfest in Birmingham happened 12-14th September 2008. Yes indeed – the free festival where freeness is greatness (according to Birmingham City Council!). What can be a negative when you have a city council promoting the arts in Birmingham (and surrounding areas)…..It all seems such a good idea! Birmingham City Council provide the stalls (not sure if they are free?), the marketing and promotion, pay the technicians, logistically managers, security, PA, mainstage, no doubt, some venues and special things..etc…It all sounds great, really good. So good…..Just one thing folks…..Artists come along to promote themselves, all their good work, all their community activity….and NO FEES are ISSUED to the majority of the local artistic citizens that come art in hand! I REPEAT – no money as fees go the artists that promote THE CITY OF (aspiring)CULTURE (as previously shortlisted…and Liverpool got it as we all know…). Question, what messages does this send out to the artistic community in Birmingham? Perhaps it means that artists are not (financially) valued, that they need Birmingham City Council’s help!? Such arrogance. We are equal citizens in this city and we are to be equally treated. It’s OK for BCC to look for the every emerging touting of a cultural city – a tourist destination of art and artists under one big festival (sounds a little like the last blog doesn’t it!???) – to promote greatness and diversity of culture. Sure, many with logos attached to their organisation or company feel oblidged to attend and partake (incase the purse strings get pulled)….a soft form of coercion and not necessarily about mutuality…??

So I thought it would be fitting to have a little revised promo for the Artsfest, changing Artsfest to ArtsFeast – You cook it! We’ll eat it! Mainstream culture never had it so good!

Love to hear you comments…ones that aren’t all in favour…I’ve heard all of them c/o the arts departments and spammers etc….