Anyone work in the cultural sector?

[Bargellobitch]

I work in the cultural sector, both freelance and for galleries / museums on an employed basis.

I know various professions are feeling they have it hard right now hence all the strikes. I'm by no means saying I have it as hard as a junior Dr or teacher. But I know myself and my colleagues are feeling really burnt out.

It's a low paying sector as work is sort after and competitive. Plus people are passionate so often do lots of extra work. Many of the orgs and projects I work on work to get people involved and make culture more accessible so it's not like I'm working on opera projects for the rich. We run youth and community programmes in areas with lots of deprivation.

We are trying to still do the same thing with our money doing less and funders asking for more from us.

I used to work in the charity sector and it feels similar. Just wondering if anyone else is in the cultural sector and how you are feeling? Just feel unsustainable!

Yes to all of this! It's really tough. People are dropping like flies, pay is so far behind it's a joke and people are leaving the sector from key depts (theatre tech teams are really struggling for example).

Yes re tech. I work on a project to develop skills. Various projects are funded under the same stream. Many projects are focusing on skills development in tec. For example for performances.

I'm taking on various freelance stuff to supplement my work but I'm doing evenings and weekends to make it work and it's just not sustainable. I worked so unbelievably hard to get into the sector. But I do wonder if I can hack it!

Sorry you feel similarly. I really do think it's seen as a nice little job!

The funding landscape is absolute brutal at the moment. I’m sorry, OP, I know how stressful it is.

We are so lucky to live in a country with so many opportunities and such a rich culture. What you do matters.

That's is lovely to hear. I do know compared to many jobs it's not important I'm not delusional. But I do think culture is really important and is one of the things that makes us human!

Oh yes. Churchill supported arts funding during WWII on the basis that they're was no point in sending men out to fight if there was no civilisation worth saving - and worthy of returning home to. And if we could manage during the war then why the hell can't we now?