Artists deserve 'better treatment'

Artists deserve 'better treatment'

DENPASAR (Antara): Balinese artists performing in public and entertainment centers should receive adequate payment and should be treated properly, demanded Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardhika.

Minister Ardhika said he was so concerned to see how the Balinese artists have to work very hard and receive a very meager payments from event organizers.

"They performed before domestic and foreign visitors who have already paid tickets and therefore the performers must get adequate fee," the minister said.

Ardhika said that the additional payment should be considered as appreciation to their artistic endeavors. It is also aimed at improving their professionalism.

He said he saw many Balinese artists grouped in village arts organization took a pick-up to a hotel. They were exposed to heat and rain because there was no other transportation facilities prepared by the organizers.

"It will be better if the organizers provide buses or other proper transportations for these artists," the minister said.

An amateur artist could receive between Rp 10,000 and Rp 15,000 every time they perform in a hotel or other entertainment center.

A professional artist may get higher payment depending on his/her experience and skill.

The Balinese people view arts as parts of their daily and religious activities. For them, performing art activities is the manifestation of their love for their Creator and their dedication to their community.

But the rapid development of tourism industry has made arts a tourist commodity. Many artists are now performing for money.

There are more than 700 kinds of performing arts in Bali such as traditional drama, dances, theaters and music.