Tough Times: Being an NI Artist, a thread.
I considered not posting this but recently & in the not so distant past I feel like I've taking 1 step forward & so many back.
As a director/writer/producer I love what I do: to create, collaborate, dream, encourage, meet.

Don't get me wrong there's stressful times, things fall through, admin takes over your life, you work long unpaid hours but all in the hope that it all pays off.
And the majority of the time it does, the stress & tears are somehow worth.

But then there's the times when you wonder why you're even in this game.
I have felt so under-valued, under appreciated, not a 1st choice, or a 2nd not even on the radar. I've been ignored, ridiculed & fully blanked in this profession.

It's so heartbreaking trying to make something of yourself & your work, to try & earn value & validation.
It's so very easy to compare yourself to others and feel so behind.

I always try to encourage, support, & create as best I can but enclosed circles seem to block progression

There are the rumblings & beginnings of rebellions, new work, new artists who are sick of the same. It's so exciting to see what will happen, especially in this new normal & how we will all now present.
So essentially what I really want to say & put out there is this:

I am an Director
I am a writer
I am a producer
I am talented
I am relevant
I have a voice
I have a right to be here
I will not be put off from opportunities despite the decision already being pre-made
I am a collaborator
I am an NI Artist

Value me, appreciate me, notice me.