Platform Papers > Issue 02: Survival of the Fittest

Survival of the Fittest: The Artist Versus the Corporate World

by Christopher Latham

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ISBN 0958121362

In the 1970s, writes Christopher Latham, 80% of all arts funding went to individual artists. Today it’s 20%. A policy of creating and funding mainstream companies has left today’s freelance artist demoralised. Now there are concerns even for the landmark companies: ‘We are facing the prospect that more than one major Australian orchestra will be shut down in the next decade’ But, he believes, this is a time of exponential change, a time for lateral thinking and individualism. ‘The Titanics are sinking: it is time to get into the skiffs.’

Latham examines the historical causes of the present structure and sees in it opportunities for the freelance artist, particularly working in project-based collectives. The new generation artist needs to versatile, flexible and familiar with the new technology, engaged with society and thoughtful and rigorous in their art practice. Reproducing the best of the European models is no investment in a national culture. It is time for the small producers and the individual creators to stop competing and start collaborating. Australia needs its artists to initiate change: to rethink the present in the light of the past and begin to invest in a body of work that will in turn become their legacy.

Christopher Latham is a singer and a violinist with an international career. From 1992 he toured with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and since 1998 has represented Australian and international composers at Boosey & Hawkes Australia. He is currently director of the Four Winds Festival in Bermagui, NSW.

This issue also includes responses to Martin Harrison's essay from John Cleary and John Carmody.

Platform Papers No 3: January 2004: Julian Meyrick on rebuilding our theatre.

Platform Papers invites considered responses to Latham’s argument for publication in the January edition.