Mohd Yaseen
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) holds a distinguished position in the region, revered for its pivotal role in preserving and promoting the cultural and artistic traditions of Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as a platform for artists, writers, musicians, and performers, ensuring that the region’s rich and diverse heritage continues to thrive. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages is instrumental in supporting artists, offering them opportunities to showcase their work, fostering creativity, and maintaining the region’s cultural vibrancy.
However, despite its invaluable contributions, there remains a pressing issue that cannot be ignored-the inadequate financial compensation provided to those who dedicate their lives to the arts. Artists, writers, and cultural workers associated with the academy continue to grapple with meager remuneration that does not reflect the value of their work or their contribution to society.
The artist fee, at a mere Rs.1,350 per performance or contribution, stands as a glaring reflection of the disparity between the cultural and artistic value of work and its financial recognition. In the current economic climate, where the cost of living is rising steadily, this fee is simply insufficient to sustain an artist’s livelihood. Basic necessities, including food, housing, and healthcare, have seen significant price hikes, making it increasingly difficult for many artists to make ends meet. The fee of Rs. 1,350 might have been more acceptable in the past, but it is no longer in tune with the economic realities of the present. This problem is symptomatic of a broader trend-artist and cultural workers are often overlooked and undervalued, despite their crucial role in shaping the intellectual and creative fabric of society.
The disparity between the remuneration of artists and that of salaried professionals is particularly striking. While employees in the government and corporate sectors benefit from regular pay raises and other financial perks, artists, who are vital to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, do not receive the same treatment. Government employees, politicians, and bureaucrats regularly see their salaries adjusted to keep pace with inflation, while the artists who breathe life into the art and culture of the region remain stagnant in their financial struggles. Similarly, employees in the private sector are granted annual appraisals and bonuses as a way to reward their performance and to adjust their earnings to reflect the realities of the economy. However, artists are left without a structured framework for ensuring fair and consistent compensation.
The profession of an artist is inherently unstable, with many facing uncertainty in terms of income and opportunities. Most artists dedicate years, if not decades, to mastering their craft, but financial security often remains elusive. The nature of artistic work means that it is project-based, with performances, exhibitions, and contributions occurring sporadically rather than regularly. This unpredictability makes it difficult for many artists to plan for their future, pay their bills, or support their families. The fee of Rs. 1,350 per performance is grossly inadequate in such an environment. Even with a substantial number of performances, an artist would find it challenging to generate a sustainable income. This constant financial insecurity leads to a range of unfortunate consequences: artists are forced to take on secondary jobs unrelated to their passion or creative practice, hindering their ability to fully invest time and energy into their art.
The economic strain also has wider implications for the cultural landscape. When artists are financially stressed, their ability to create, innovate, and contribute to the arts is compromised. Creativity flourishes in an environment of stability and security. Yet, when basic financial needs are not met, artists are left unable to dedicate themselves fully to their craft. This not only harms the individual artist but also affects the cultural output of the region as a whole. A lack of financial support stifles the potential for growth and innovation within the artistic community, limiting the richness of cultural experiences that can be shared with the wider public.
It is time for a structured revision of artist fees. Artists, like other professionals, must be able to rely on periodic fee increments that reflect changes in the economic environment. Just as government employees and corporate workers receive pay raises to match inflation, artists should be granted the same privilege. A reasonable starting point would be to institute a minimum 10% fee increase every year. This would provide artists with a basic level of financial security and enable them to focus on their creative endeavours without the constant worry of financial instability. The value of an artist’s work should be reflected in their compensation, and this adjustment would be a step in the right direction toward ensuring that artists can maintain their livelihoods while continuing to contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) may look to the fee structures of National Academies as a reference point for their own fee structure. By considering the fee models and financial frameworks of established cultural institutions, the JKAACL can ease the process of implementing fee hikes, aligning them with broader national standards. This approach would not only ensure that artist remuneration keeps pace with the growing cost of living but also allow JKAACL to be more in tune with the needs and expectations of the artistic community.
In addition to increasing the artist fees, there are other ways the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages can provide financial support to artists. The creation of grants and fellowships specifically designed for artists in need would be a significant step in this direction. Such funding could be awarded to individual artists or collectives to help them pursue specific projects or cover their living expenses while they focus on their work. Fellowships could also provide opportunities for artists to collaborate with national and international institutions, fostering cross-cultural exchange and expanding the reach of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage beyond regional boundaries.
Furthermore, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages could explore the introduction of a pension system for senior artists. Many veteran artists, who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, face financial hardship in their later years. A pension system would offer them the support and dignity they deserve after decades of service to the arts. Such initiatives would not only help senior artists but also demonstrate a broader commitment to the well-being of the entire artistic community.
Finally, exploring alternative revenue sources could provide the academy with additional funds that could be used to support artists financially. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages could consider organizing ticketed cultural events, paid workshops, and other cultural activities that generate income. Collaborations with national and international cultural institutions could also serve as a means of bringing in additional revenue while simultaneously increasing the visibility of Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic traditions on the global stage. These initiatives would not only provide much-needed financial support but would also help to expand the reach of the region’s cultural offerings, allowing for greater recognition and appreciation of the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Investing in the arts is not just an investment in individual artists; it is an investment in the cultural and intellectual growth of society. The preservation and promotion of cultural heritage are fundamental to a society’s identity and well-being. If the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages is to continue its vital role in safeguarding the region’s artistic traditions, it must address the financial insecurity that too many artists face. Providing fair compensation, introducing support mechanisms such as grants and fellowships, and exploring alternative revenue streams are all steps that can help ensure the survival and thriving of Jammu and Kashmir’s vibrant artistic community.
Creativity cannot thrive when its practitioners are burdened by financial distress. The survival of cultural traditions depends on the well-being of the artists who bring them to life. The time has come for the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages to recognize the importance of ensuring fair compensation for the region’s artists. Only through such recognition will the academy truly fulfill its mission of promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. Let us ensure that the creators of tomorrow are supported today, so that Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural legacy can continue to flourish for generations to come.
(The writer is a National Scholarship and Fellowship holder in the Field of Theatre from Ministry of Culture, Government of India)
