A1 Journal article (refereed)
Apua allianssista? : Suomeen esitetyn freelancetaiteilijoiden työasemaa parantavan mallin mahdollisuudet ja kritiikki (2023)
Assistance from the Alliance? : Possibilities and Critique of the Proposed Model for Enhancing the Working Conditions of Freelance Artists in Finland

Lähdeniemi, M., Anttila, A., Järvensivu, A., Leinikki, S., Pyykkönen, M., & Schalin, A. (2023). Apua allianssista? : Suomeen esitetyn freelancetaiteilijoiden työasemaa parantavan mallin mahdollisuudet ja kritiikki. Kulttuuripolitiikan tutkimuksen vuosikirja, 7(1), 10-24. https://doi.org/10.17409/kpt.125389

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Lähdeniemi, Milla; Anttila, Anna; Järvensivu, Anu; Leinikki, Sikke; Pyykkönen, Miikka; Schalin, Anton

Journal or series: Kulttuuripolitiikan tutkimuksen vuosikirja

eISSN: 2343-290X

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 19/12/2023

Volume: 7

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 10-24

Publisher: Kulttuuripolitiikan tutkimuksen seura

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17409/kpt.125389

Persistent website address: https://journal.fi/kultpol/article/view/125389

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/92762

Abstract

The purpose of the Alliance is to enhance the working conditions of freelancers operating in precarious and short-term employment within the cultural sector. The Alliance receives partial public funding and offers professional, economic, and social security in the form of employment opportunities. According to a previous study, there are no legal impediments to the Alliance model in Finland. However, there has not yet been a pilot or trial of the model. In our article, we will examine the proposed alliance model by Koskinen and the type of criticism it received from statements requested from representatives of the cultural sector, the government, and trade unions. We will assess how this criticism relates to the circumstances of the arts field and the experiences of arts professionals. Our understanding is rooted in prior Finnish research, and we employ content analysis as the method for analyzing empirical data. The analysis encompasses 33 reports from representatives of the cultural sector (n=13), government representatives (n=16), labor union organizations (n=3), and employers' union organizations (n=1). The proposed three-year pilot trial for actors, dancers, and musicians has received some support, as has the Alliance model in general. Although criticism was provided regarding the alliance, only five out of all 33 respondents clearly opposed the alliance or the proposed trial. Criticism has been particularly diverse concerning the Alliance employment contracts, the nature of the work, and the criteria used to select employees for the Alliance. In terms of equality and equal rights, both cultural sector representatives (54%) and government representatives (44%) share the perspective that the Alliance is not perceived as promoting equality or equal opportunities. According to representatives of the cultural sector (69%), if the alliance trial succeeds, the model should be considered for expansion to include performing arts, circus artists, music creators, writers, composers, and visual artists. Solutions are urgently needed to address long-standing issues in the cultural sector. The Alliance has been specifically criticized for its approach to equality, which is indeed a significant concern. This issue could potentially be resolved by studying international models and experiences. To truly assess the model's potential, it must be courageously piloted.

Keywords: creative industries; arts sector; atypical work; short-term employment; freelance workers; labour status; employment (legal relationship); public funding; cultural policy

Free keywords:  academic expertise; workplace skills; university education in cultural policy; collective expertise

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

JUFO rating: 1