Frank van Pamelen: choice for art

It’s a weird experience. As I type this, half the neighborhood is on the street. They talk, laugh, play with children. They're keeping their distance, a meter and a half, or at least they try to. All day long. For most of them, there’s no work. No problem, of course. They get paid nicely. Rightly so. It’s not their fault. Force majeure. Not their own choice.

But I keep on typing. I have to, being a self-employed freelancer. I never get paid just like that. "Your own choice", Minister Wiebes said. Not a word about force majeure. There are no schemes, no regulations, at least not for me, and now that all outdoor activities (usually by far my main source of income) have been canceled for at least six months, I am dependent on writing. Crumb work, often. But work.

They're keeping their distance, a meter and a half, or at least they try to

However, I consider myself lucky. Most freelancers in the cultural sector have nothing. Theaters are closed, festivals and performances have been canceled. Investments were made that will never be recouped. In order to keep paying the rent, most people eat their little buffer. Actually meant as a pension. And do they complain? Barely. They just keep making music. And sing on Zoom. And entertain at nursing homes. Free of charge of course. After all, who pays for art if there’s no fence around it? Even with fence, payment is often an issue. "But you do get a lot of exposure", a radio producer said the other day. I replied: "It’s fine with me not even getting a travel allowance, you know. But only if you also think of your work as an unpaid hobby." Never heard him again.

Again, I consider myself lucky. I keep on typing. I have a job. But I’m getting a little tired of the ongoing discussion on choice. The choice for art is a choice made by society.

Photo: Frank van Pamelen

Date of publication: 6 May 2020