I AM Viable


Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth.



 Read that again. Now a few more times. 


I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts that have accumulated over the week.

Firstly, today I stumbled upon a great campaign on Facebook that is making a stand against the government's treatment of the Arts industry during the Covid-19 crisis - and their "advice" that artists and creatives RETRAIN in other professions because this one isn't viable - by selling clothing branded 'I AM viable' as part of #SAVETHEARTS. A portion of these profits are going to UK theatre charities to help with the current situation, and this made me think about how accessible social media has made it to start up campaigns, petitions, movements and to come together as an industry when we are scattered apart and out of work. The page gained 300 likes in just one week, and it represents one of many voices speaking up for our beautiful, vital industry.

The instant advertisement and engagement on social media and Web 2.0 is often far more effective for change and sharing information than the likes of Web 1.0 that is actually designed to inform. 

Case in point: if you take yourself to the BBC News website, on the top navigational menu you'll notice different categories to select the area of news to read about. After Home (for current headlines) comes the two main topical events (Coronavirus and US Election), then UK, then World. All very logical. Continuing to the right we have Business, Politics, Tech, Science, Health, and Family & Education. Oh, and then a dropdown bar for 'More'.

Where is Entertainment & Arts?

Great question. Where is that £10.8 billion industry? 

In the dropdown. Obviously.

Don't worry, they put us first in the dropdown (go us), but doesn't that just scream how society is encouraged by these platforms to regard the industry as secondary, as less valuable/important/worthy than those who get their own space on the top menu? If you're wondering if maybe they just had to save space... it would fit. I measured. With a ruler :)

And when you actually go into that news section, not even half the stuff that's exploding all over social media is anywhere to be found.

So as great as social media is for us all connecting and networking and communicating within our industry - and I genuinely believe it is phenomenal for that for auditions, jobs, news, opportunities, campaigns, issues, challenges, inspiration etc - are we kidding ourselves if we think we're making an impact outside of our industry social media bubble?

I hope we are making an impact. Because in times like this more than ever, it is vital that we do. 

But how far outside of the industry network do we have to reach to change certain things about or that concern the industry?

And how successful can we be when it is those outside the industry network that are half the problem?

How many people outside the industry social media bubble have seen the amazing videos made, the campaigns launched, the petitions being signed, the theatres closing, the individual stories told, the national treasures as risk, the people fighting, the treatment we are receiving, the lack of essential funds, the job losses, the 'retrain because you are not a viable industry'.....


As we continue to go through more restrictions, lockdowns, setbacks and struggle, we become more reliant on those outside our field to help us. So do we need to change the networking game? And if we do, what kind of network do we need to make?


Any thoughts and I'd love to know!



Comments

  1. Rhian Gill12 October 2020 at 06:22

    Hey! Really enjoyed your post, just wanted to day YOU ARE VIABLE. It has been an incredibly challenging time for our industry at the moment, everyday seems to have another announcement that knocks us some what but we will get through this and if social media can help that then I am all for it. Rhi x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roanne Cox12 October 2020 at 11:48

      Hey Rhian! Thank you for your comment! It has been such a tough time for us and anything that can help at the moment is a gift. We will get through and bring theatre back to everyone eventually, and we must hold onto that when others don't believe in us! x

      Delete
  2. Alice Pettini12 October 2020 at 13:31

    Hi Roanne, I LOVED reading your blog - you have highlighted some very interesting ideas. I share you frustration and I don't believe for a second that the government aren't noticing our reaction to their 'retrain' suggestion. My social media is FULL of people sharing their thoughts about this at the moment. Even after last weekend when hundreds of musicians protested outside parliament last weekend; I am shocked that we have not been given any positivity or response from the government. We don't expect to be told exactly what we want to hear, but to be acknowledged and appreciated would be wonderful. It has proved what a strong community we are though, our training/careers have given us the skills to persevere. I am proud to be part of this 'unskilled' industry. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roanne Cox13 October 2020 at 05:56

      Hi Alice, thank you for your comment! I agree it is awful that they will not even recognise that we have been heard or give us any hope. Of course we cannot expect an ideal outcome as every industry is still suffering, but it shows how strong we are that we can still stand together through it and continue our vocation even if we are not acknowledged. I think you are right, our training has given us skills that serve us in life, we just never expected to need them for something such as this! x

      Delete

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