While using an interdependency and economic perspective on a new article published in The Nation entitled “The Corona Virus Means Curtains for the Artists”, it is clear that the employment and economic opportunities for artists have been significantly minimized by Covid-19.
Arts and Entertainment organizations cannot afford to keep their current staff due to the fact that they can not generate the type of income needed to sustain its workforce. While many states in the U.S. are starting to re-open for business operations, it is still very difficult to book events and get people to show up to them due to regulations regarding social distancing and number of people in an assembly.
The author made the point that the Arts and Entertainment fields have been struggling before the pandemic due to technology, particularly streaming services where consumers can gain access to content without leaving their homes. I agree with this assertion, but I would also like to pinpoint that technical innovation has always been a part of the industry and the artists. For example, the distributors of music and film content are no longer brick and mortar, today’s consumers download and stream their content rather than going to a store to purchase it. All other mediums have been impacted by technology as well (in both positive and detrimental ways). The author raises an important issue that artists, especially those that create and sell their physical creations, are having a more challenging time doing so due to consumer’s being less inclined to buy something creative that is not connected to the internet.
Unemployment, the closing of movie theaters, traditional theatres, opera houses, art galleries, museums and so many other locations has serious economic effects on the artists, the businesses in which they use to showcase their work, and the American economy in general. For example, this past year’s Art Basel in Miami brought hundreds of millions of dollars of economic activity to the areas in one weekend. Looking at this from a macro perspective, will reveal how difficult it is for artists and their communities at this time.
The author does not have an answer to what is taking place. Even once Covid-19 is contained, it Is still going to be difficult to re-open and for people to feel comfortable enough to attend a live event. Also, the article pinpointed that technology is not going anywhere and it is something that is going to reduce audiences who attend creative events. I understand the argument about technology, but I think it is important to understand the positive qualities of it. Technology makes it easier to connect with creative content. If you’re a visual artists social media may be one of the most helpful tools you can use to sell your artwork. I believe that live shows and technology can exist side-by-side in this economy; there may even be areas in which they can collaborate to provide consumers with new ways of experiencing creative products and services.