State on Stage tunes in on the relationship between governments and performing arts in European countries over the past fifteen years. In order to survive, performing arts organizations in Europe must adapt to ongoing changes in the artistic, commercial and political climate. Although maximizing market revenues has become business as usual for companies and venues, most still require substantial involvement from the government.
Governments, at their turn, expect more economic, educational or social tasks next to the artistic occupations before funding. This book shows how performing arts professionals manage to combine commercial entrepreneurship with the political skills needed to operate in a government environment.
State on stage offers both a pan-European overview and national portraits of fifteen EU member states, depicting a lively, dynamic performing arts scene, prospering in the new millennium. It also reveals what's happening behind the scenes: oversupply, with thousands of performing artists unable to find proper jobs, seeking additional income elsewhere. Despite the generosity of governments at all levels, public money comes either in insufficient quantities, or is spent inefficiently.
This book describes the hopes and dreams that keep performing artists motivated under these difficult conditions. It contains inspiring literature, essential recommendations and new perspectives for everyone involved in this field: artists, managers, scholars, policy makers and politicians active in Europe and across its borders.
Sections available as free downloads:
- Foreword
- The performing arts of Spain: A newly created reality, by Xavier Marcé
- What can be done?, by Hans Onno van den Berg
- Hopes and dreams, by Ineke van Hamersveld
The full 240 page document can be purchased for €24,90.