Whether you want to be an artist or not, you often already know it inside. You don’t need Flanders Arts Institute for that. But we can tell you what to expect on your journey and help you find your way. Let’s get started!
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A career in the arts is not a straight line and certainly not always an upward one. Expect sharp turns and detours. The gradual growth from discovery to celebrated artist is a myth. A majority of artists follow an erratic path, via diverse projects that require flexibility. But did you know that erratic paths can be quite beautiful?
Being an artist often involves hard work. You may occasionally hear from those around you that you should have “gone for a real job”. That’s because people see the artistic result, but not always the labour and research that preceded it. The artistic result then sometimes seems limited in relation to the work and effort you put into it.
Don’t let yourself be pushed out of the (arts) field. Working in the arts cannot be compared to other jobs. It’s a highly personal journey. That’s why we recommend that you articulate where you want to go as best you can. People can help you with that, but they can’t do it for you.
There seem to be many reasons not to get started in the arts. The precarious conditions of an artist’s existence; the lack of job security, the irregular hours, the often meagre income, the sometimes harsh criticism,… not everyone can handle it. You have to be strong and be able to fall back on a solid safety net of people you trust.
The question becomes, when are you “successful”? And professional? When do you get paid for artistic work? If you’re doing it full time? Or only when your name is in the newspapers? And what about a so-called hobbyist who earns money with his art? Professionalism is hard to prove.
Only one in ten artists in Belgium can live from artistic work alone. Not exactly the best indicator of success. Success can also be using your talents for the purpose you think they are intended. That you find a flow.
Artists make the difference. They bring people together, they touch, comfort and inspire us. They often also point the way to a better future, a fair new world.
Ann Overbergh, General director of Flanders Arts Institute
Do you work in the arts and have a question? Are you looking for a critical sounding board for your new project?
