The Tough Life of Artists

 An art and fashion exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York

In a difficult, yet recovering economy, artists of all genres are facing the most difficult times of their life ever.

A study shows how the reduction in the number of grants, scholarships, a direct government funding has greatly affected the artistic world in many dimensions, including galleries, museums and activities and events at these and other venues.

But most importantly the quality of life seems to be deteriorating, in comparison to others who work regular jobs, and have kept it consistently for many years. But artists could smile as the economy improves greatly in the right direction.

It seems though that the ("private") philanthropists have been more consistent with their investment in art, as non-government organizations (NGO’s), than the government itself.

The return on investment in art has greatly failed to meet the expectation of many artists who have for the most part put a great deal of their talent capital and their personal investments, as well as that of venture capitalists.

However, a small minority of artists has consistently succeeded in project networking and has predictively attained a resilient increasing income, which entices them to further creative work, validating their sense of independence as well as their ability to work in group projects, with private and public investments.

Certainly, museums, historic art sites, galleries, and artists deserve better appreciation of their talent and creative capital in a difficult economy.

A couple of decades ago, I read an interesting article on professions that suggested for artists, writers, and poets, to be a more loved community among professions in the 21st century, in comparison to professions such as engineers, doctors of medicine, lawyers, and other liberal arts and traditional professions.  While the truth remains to be seen, the quality of life fluctuates with more realistic difficulty than those with white-collar jobs, wearing a tie or not, or even solidly established blue-collar professionals or technicians.