What are artists worth?

In her a-n blog, Emily Speed has spent the past couple of years reflecting on the issue of artists' pay. This isn't something that has concerned me much as an early career artist; I always expected to have to subsidise my first few years with other jobs while I built profile and experience.

However, as Emily has pointed out, if too many artists are willing to take on unpaid opportunities, it undermines the ability of all artists to earn a living. Organisations, who are themselves strapped for cash, are starting to think that artists don't need to be paid.

Guyan Porter has a provocative take on it, calling artists who don't demand pay "the new bourgeoisie".

Having now reached a tipping point, where I've been a practising artist longer than an art student, money is starting to become more of an issue. I'm starting to question the sustainability of my current way of life.

For those looking for guidance, a-n have provided sample day rates, and this minimum fee schedule from CARFAC, a Canadian organisation that represents the interests of artists, might be helpful.