2 minute read
Progre s s
All of this is a reminder that progress isn’t linear. Life is not a clear path; we are constantly adapting to change. We are not static but attached to strings which are ever probed by the chaotic instruments of chance and consequence, binding us to the rules of the universe. If light passed through us, the colours reflected would dance and obscure.
Whether you are restarting something you had to put on hold, pursuing a new adventure, or even just building on pre-existing skillsremember to make space for yourself to evolve, struggle and learn. You will have days where the string to which you are tethered is as light and flexible as elastic, and others where it becomes heavy and stiff as a steel rod - even when you are functioning at peak performance. Recognising this has enabled me to accept myself where I’m at - to approach with confidence no matter where my string leads me, or how much light shines through.
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ART AND THE POWER OF THE VOICES
ARTANDTHEPOWEROFTHEVOICES
ART AND THE POWER OF THE VOICES
ARTANDTHEPOWEROFTHEVOICES
ART AND THE POWER OF THE VOICES
ARTANDTHEPOWEROFTHEVOICES
ART AND THE POWER OF THE VOICES
ARTANDTHEPOWEROFTHEVOICES
ART AND THE POWER OF THE VOICES
ARTANDTHEPOWEROFTHEVOICES
ART AND THE POWER OF THE VOICES
ARTANDTHEPOWEROFTHEVOICES
On February 16, 2023, it has come to the public attention that the Scottish Government were planning to decrease the arts and culture budgets. It could result in a number of cuts to regularly funded arts organisations by up to 50%. While most of the organisations have already struggled, a number of them have stopped their existence permanently. An independent charity organisation and alliance for the arts called The Campaign for the Arts stepped up and organized an urgent petition highlighting the importance of art funding. After 15,401 people signed it in just a few days, on the 21st of February the Scottish Government abandoned their plans for a £7 million cut. This victory shows the importance of speaking up and fighting for the right cause. But even with this success, artists and particularly art students still suffer from the rise in living costs.
Most artists admit that they struggle mostly due to the prices of art supplies. As art students report, they get the same amount of SAAS support but have to put in much more than the rest of the scholars. The cost of making art is high and the prices have raised lately. For example, to print a poster would be £10-£20, to use a 3D printer - £10-£50, depending on the size of the print. And don’t forget the basics: paints, brushes, sketchbooks, etc. For a single project, art students must pay up to £100 not to mention money spent if something goes wrong, breaks, or if they change their minds about the materials or the project itself. Most students adjust by using second hand supplies or choosing to use some waste materials which won’t cost them anything. The downside of such creativity is that many artists cannot afford to work with every material they want and have to stick to the cheapest options.
Unfortunately, there are a few programs to help students with the costs of art supplies, therefore so many people reacted to the news of defunding. Art has always held a crucial part in society, especially during hard times. For many people around the globe, art plays the role of a therapist, and it would be cruel to take that away from them now. There are some solutions: increasing funding on the Governmental level, encouraging universities to help students with supplies for their projects (giving them a toolbox with essentials for example), asking your fellow artists if they want any materials you no longer need (also donating them) or using local support. Some examples are the reuse hub in the DJCAD canteen, CassArt which has frequent sales and discounts for students, and the reclamation centre ScrapAntics. You have a few options there: use the store without a membership if spending less than £3 a day or get an annual student membership for £7 for unlimited use. These are small steps, but they can lead to a great victory.
