If you have previously or currently work as a mediator for Ireland At Venice, we’ve a short survey for you to fill to help us better make the case to improve conditions and pay: https://forms.gle/YbYKh94q1sWFDTw58
This year, Ireland at Venice (IAV) employs unpaid graduates of the Arts, the majority of whom are trained/working artists. This would put IAV in breach of the Paying the Artist policy laid out by the Arts Council of Ireland, who part-fund the project. The opportunity to visit galleries and attend the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia on its own would not constitute formal professional development or a wage.
As stated by the Workplace Relation Commission; “national minimum wage rates apply to work experience placements, work trials, internships and any other employment practice involving unpaid work or working for room and board, regardless of the duration of the engagement.”
Praxis members who wished to apply to the mediator position at the Venice Biennale, but who couldn’t, or refused to, work without pay, got together to demand Temple Bar Gallery & Studios and Culture Ireland improve pay and conditions. We have been in communication with IAV / Temple Bar Gallery to see clear metrics and description of the promised professional development provided as part of the position. We await a formal response and hope to meet with their organisers to discuss possible routes to make the Mediator position with IAV an accessible and sustainable opportunity regardless of the candidates’ economic background.
Below are our current demands for unpaid mediators hired by IAV:
- A living wage for the Mediator position.
- Commitment to working no more than 5 days in a week.
- A city transport card.
- Airport transfer. Domestic and International.
- Entrance to Giardini / Other Biennale Exhibitions.
- Evidence of professional development for artists in this role.
- An exit survey for all mediators, so that Culture Ireland and the Arts Council can update the pay and conditions accordingly.
