STREET ARTISTS IN EUROPE - Fondazione Fitzcarraldo

Street Artists in Europe
companies abroad), it is clear that programmers have difficulty finding out about foreign groups
unless they have seen them.
Artists need to market their work – in as many different ways as possible. Publicity is useful,
ideally in several languages. Use of the Internet, e-mails and the telephone, are all helpful ways
to reinforce contact. Appearance at showcasing events is a good way to be seen by
programmers. Once a company is known, word of mouth travels fast between programmers and
artists.
6.4.5. Agents or not?
One way of approaching marketing is for artists to work with an agent, who will promote their
shows on their behalf as part of their larger portfolio. Possessing an international agent can help
considerably in a company’s attempt to negotiate cultural differences, language issues, legal and
other restrictions. The disadvantage of agents is that they may take up to 25% of any fee; some
agencies try and get the maximum fee for their artists from programmers – but may end up
getting very few bookings for artists as they are too expensive to programme. Agents may not
be entirely transparent in their arrangements with artists, which can give rise to mistrust, which
is not helpful to either party. Programmers frequently prefer to negotiate directly with artists.
6.5. Specific actions
6.5.1. Safety regulations
Safe parking for vehicles and the security of props, sets and costumes is essential for artists.
Costs of this need to be built into the initial budgeting of festivals, rather than thought about at
the end when the budget is all spent. Lack of respect for artists’ needs is a frequent complaint
and many are extremely anxious about safety and security.
The fact that safety regulations vary a great deal from country to country can cause problems for
companies when travelling and performing abroad, as well as for directors when choosing
performances to include in the programme of their festivals. The safety regulations most
frequently cited by the professionals concern the separation between audience and performers
(United Kingdom), the prohibition for young children to attend to a street event (Poland) and
restrictions on pyrotechnics shows (Italy, Germany, Netherlands, etc.). This influences deeply
the “magic” of the show, because it makes much harder for the audience to feel like a part of the
show which is going on. Pyrotechnics shows are subject to very strict rules in some countries
while they are a core element in many Spanish performances. This means that festival directors
cannot invite important foreign companies whose speciality is just pyrotechnics shows.
6.5.2. Co-operation, tool to bypass obstacles?
Co-operation has huge importance in terms of creativity: giving artists and professionals a
chance to meet, to compare ideas, to have discussions and to share ideas and needs, it is a major
source of inspiration. Co-operation is also a good way to know and understand each European
country regulations.
Networking gives chances for inspiring confrontation and exchanges among professionals and
provides opportunities for artists to be known and to get support to production and performing.
51
PE 375.307