Photos: Portraits of artists struggling under lockdown

On the sidelines of the US economy hit hard by restrictions, are artists who form a part of the informal gig economy and have seen their classes, performances and productions cancelled. Large parts of the Unites States –now the nation worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic –are under stay at home orders, spelling suspension of classes, furloughs and outright layoffs. What’s more, they may not qualify for unemployment benefits. With its stay at home order extended to May 4, a few artists in Washington, share their worries about their creative futures while speaking to news agency Reuters.

Updated on: Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM IST

Lifestyle

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Dani Tirrell, a queer, gender-nonconforming artist, choreographer and educator, has had in-session dance classes at Northwest Tap Connection and the University of Washington cancelled. “That was a nice chunk of income for me,” Tirrell told Reuters. But Tirrell, seen at Kubota Gardens in Seattle is more concerned for the financial and mental wellbeing of others: “What does this do for people’s mental health, especially artists?” (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

2/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Emilie Choi, concertmaster of the Auburn Symphony and assistant concertmaster of the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra told Reuters she was out of work indefinitely due to the outbreak and is now applying for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. On March 12, a day after Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced a ban on gatherings of over 250 people, Pacific Northwest Ballet had its last dress rehearsal. (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

3/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

As a programming curator at Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas, Dani Tirrell is figuring out how to shift programs online for the time being, taking to Instagram live every Saturday with local artists. “There’s no magical way to deal with (this situation). In the immediate, we can’t change anything. All you can do is plan for the future and know that that may change.” (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

4/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Stacey Mastrian, photographed at the house she rents in north Seattle, is an independent voice teacher and singer who had to call off a CD release recital, collaborations and potentially performances in Italy later this year. Her only current work is through some students who have signed up for online vocal classes. (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

5/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Emilie Choi expressed concerns for her work saying, “It was so devastating to witness the beautiful work of both dancers and musicians, plus amazing production, that won’t be performed (for an audience)... a big issue for me is not being able to play the music, more than just for monetary reasons. Artists don’t do their job because it’s good pay. We are artists because that’s our very being.” (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

6/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Stacey Mastrian’s worries are compounded by financial concerns. She has received one $250 grant from one of many artist relief funds that have emerged, but said most are so swamped with applications she doesn’t expect to hear back. “Everything is just cancelled, period. Into infinity. I am a saver, but this situation will decimate what little I have.” (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

7/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Dustin Kaspar, the Educational Programs Manager at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) since 2008, was laid off on April 1st after the festival was forced to cancel its 46th Film Festival and indefinitely close its three cinemas. “The coronavirus has eviscerated gathering in traditional spaces for both education and experiencing art in a community, both pillars of my world at SIFF.” (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

8/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Actress, musician and dancer MJ Jurgensen, has lost upcoming gigs due to industry shutdowns. Her main source of income during the pandemic is leading an online class with Three Dragons Academy, an arts enrichment program for children. A theatre performance she was set to appear in May, has been postponed by an entire season, which means a delay in that income for a year. (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

9/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Allison Masangkay, a queer, disabled Filipinx artist also known as DJ Phenohype lost at least a third of their income due to restrictions on gatherings. Masangkay still has some part-time remote work for a non-profit. “I feel great sadness and feelings of grief around physical isolation; however, I’m also very grateful for the privileges I have in being able to adapt my work and how I connect with people,” Masangkay said. (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

10/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

Stuck at home, she noted, “spring is audition season -- I would be auditioning all over the place right now.” But MJ Jurgensen says she’s concerned for the industry as a whole: “It’s hard to tell what’s going to survive.” She applied for unemployment and hasn’t heard back, but isn’t surprised, as regular unemployment isn’t designed for gig artists. (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)

11/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Apr 14, 2020 3:01 PM

While it won’t replace playing at events and parties, Allison Masangkay plans to continue working on DJ mixes, and recently launched a line of merchandise on her website. Masangkay says trying to view their work and community involvement in proactive and sustainable terms is helping the uncertainty of the future feel more manageable. (Lindsey Wasson / REUTERS)