Covid-19 and its impact on Classical Artists

In recent weeks, we have seen the significant economic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic which is now growing exponentially having an adverse effect on financial markets and vulnerable industries. The nation-wide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the deadly virus has affected people working in all the major sectors and industries including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, transport, marketing, sales, operation, IT, entertainment, media, production and service domains. Experts opine that the damage caused by this pandemic to the economy will have far-reaching consequences and it will be quite some time, months or even years, before we can see the earliest signs of revival of the economy.

While the salaried class seem to be comparatively less affected, small proprietary businesses, daily wage earners, artisans and unskilled labourers are undoubtedly the most impacted class of people. It is disheartening to see how those below poverty line are struggling to make ends meet in the current situation.

No doubt governments have announced economic measures to safeguard jobs, guarantee wages and support the self-employed. But, there is lack of clarity about how these measures will be implemented and how people will manage a loss of income in the short-term. Businesses are being urged to show solidarity and to ensure security of their employees. Society is also rising to the occasion by way of contributing generously to various relief funds. In fact, the way in which India has been trying to manage this crisis is far better and commendable compared to even the richest nations of the world!

But, the financial challenges of one section of the society, which most people fail to recognise even in normal circumstances, let alone during difficult times like this one, is that of the freelance classical artists. Implementation of social distancing has led to extensive shutdowns, cancellation of events, classical concerts, programmes and dance recitals, which has seriously affected their earnings. It is a known fact that classical artists choose to be what they are mainly because of their passion, being fully aware of its relatively bleak financial prospects. They have no fixed salaries, no medical benefits, no pensions. Yet, they are normally the least complaining; they never play the victim card and despite the challenges and uncertainties that life throws at them, they continue to hold on to the traditional values of their respective art forms and thereby give immense joy to thousands and millions of people through their artistic creations. The question is how will such artists sustain their lives in a situation like this one, which brings with it severe unfavourable effects on their economic, physical and mental well-being? Of course, the digital and social media which facilitates live webcasts of performances is a saving grace, but it neither assures any income to the artists nor is it sustainable in the long run.

While much is being done to protect the interests of different sections of the society as mentioned earlier, we do not see any specific financial aids or grants either by the governments or by the society coming to the rescue of classical artists during this time of crisis. Even when it comes to eligibility for availing the general relief schemes, probably artists will come last in the order of priority. Furthermore, even after the lockdown, it might take several months for normalcy to set in and for concerts, shows and programmes to resume in their usual galore, mainly because individual patronages, community donations, corporate sponsorships and government grants would be substantially low or even nil, due to the aftermath of the economic slump.

Given the fact that classical artists are mostly people with quite a bit of self-respect, it is highly unlikely that they will even raise their concerns in any public platform. Hence, organisations, patrons, rasikas and the society at large have to be empathetic and make some money flow towards these side-lined professions, which would help them mitigate the impact.

The society needs to acknowledge the contribution and sacrifices of classical artists for the emotional well-being of the world. We need them and it is our earnest responsibility to ensure that they lead comfortable lives, which is important for them to continue enriching us with their sublime art. The need of the hour is to give back in our own little way to the artist community; and perhaps there is no better time than this one. Let us all pledge to be united in our fight against the pandemic and leave no one behind.

-Dharmafreak