feelings from fellow fatimas
a collection of views from emerging scottish artists on the governments advertisement encouraging people from the arts sector to look for other jobs
Disheartened. Worthless. Give up.
​
These are just some of the words used by the various artists above to describe how they feel about the UK Governments advice to those specialising in the arts industry. Years and years of determination, passion and fight, all looked over by the Tory Government in just one simple advertisement.
​
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a massive toll on thousands of people across the country, however none quite match the struggles of emerging artists. I shall give the Government credit for their support to some extent. Yes, the furlough scheme has help lots of members of the public who have not been able to work due to the pandemic. Yes, the grants given to businesses who have had to close or adapt to new restrictions has helped thousands of businesses across the country. Sounds great doesn't it?
​
Well, surely artists had hope that they would receive some help as well, right? This is what they got instead.
Credit: Krys Alex/Cyber First/UK Government
13 words to imply that hard-working artists have no hope. This advert (paired with the slogan 'Rethink. Reskill. Reboot') instantly caused an uproar within the arts industry. Many people were stunned and enraged at the Governments lack of support to the art industry, even though the advert itself would have required numerous talented people from the industry such as photographers, actors and costume designers.
​
The Atlanta based photographer who took the original picture, Krys Alex, said in a Youtube video that she was "shocked" and that artists "should not be encouraged to stop doing what we love."
​
I spoke to Megan Banyard, a Film and Media student from Edinburgh, to ask her how she felt about the advert. She said, "It really discouraged me. I have worked hard throughout my degree to get into the film industry. I've always wanted it but when I first saw the advert it did scare me a little to know that the Government really didn't care about the hard work that everyone in the industry has put in to do what they love. The Government clearly doesn't realise the importance of the arts in the UK."
​
Artists in the country need our help and support more than ever. shop local for gifts this Christmas. If you see a busker, give them some change. Read books by local authors. Every small decision you make helps these artists and reminds them they are valued.