Town of Essex draws criticism for asking musicians to work unpaid

The Windsor-Essex performing arts community is reacting with dismay to a request by the Town of Essex for musicians to play a summer concert series — without pay.

The municipality's arts, tourism, and culture committee is asking for "expressions of interest" from artists willing to fill the Tune Up the Parks schedule.

"Similar to an 'open mic' night, performers are not paid," the online request form states.

"Performances are hosted by committee members and tipping is encouraged as a form of consideration and recognition."

According to the Town of Essex, the free concert series is an opportunity for "new and emerging artists to gain experience playing to a live audience."

But veteran Windsor-Essex musicians point to the venues and promotion planned for the concerts — as well as the vetting process to join the lineup — as indicators that the municipality is seeking musicians of a higher skill level than rank amateur.

The performances are taking place at the pavilions at Colchester Harbour Park and Essex Centre's Heritage Gardens. The online form asks applicants to submit a short bio, promotional materials, and links to social media platforms.

"This is a concert series," said Chris Borshuk, president of the Windsor Federation of Musicians. "It sounds like the job for a professional performing musician — not someone just starting out, and not someone just looking for — and I hate to use this word — exposure."

Borshuk said the Windsor Federation of Musicians has roots that date back more than a century, representing the labour interests of local working musicians. The chapter's current membership is around 300.

"It's always disappointing to us to hear of community partners who are looking to obtain free live performances from musicians," Borshuk said. "We are living in a time when work is difficult in our industry... I think sometimes it's forgotten that musicians can be people who need an income to continue to do their craft and make a living."

Kristen Siapas, the organizer behind Windsor's Jazz in the Park series, agrees, and feels the Town of Essex should set a better example.

"It's really important for us to have partnerships with municipalities," Siapas said. "Public organizations need to come out and say, 'This does have value. Arts work is work, and deserves to be compensated fairly.'"

Siapas said all the musical acts that were part of last summer's Jazz in the Park schedule were paid, and the same will be true for this coming summer's expanded schedule.

Jazz in the Park is made possible by a grant from Arts Council - Windsor and Region.