Fair pay on live performances for all Dutch acts on all Dutch stages should be introduced structurally. That is the opinion of a large majority of respondents who took part in the Fair Pop Pilot in autumn 2024. During the pilot, researchers Prof Dr Pauwke Berkers, Frank Kimenai and Dr Thomas Calkins of Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) evaluated the implementation of fair pay for performing Dutch artists.
Between September and November 2024, both emerging (Phase 1) and developing (Phase 2) artists performed at eight participating venues for which they received fair pay fees. That pay was based on 11 criteria set out in the (online) Fair Pay Rekentool Popmusici (Pop Musicians Calculation Tool), which was developed by Platform ACCT's Ketentafel Pop, but not previously tested in practice. This was done for the purpose of the study by 604 musicians during 151 performances, divided into 76 own shows and 75 support shows.
The Calculation Tool
The participating artists themselves filled in the Fair Pay Rekentool Popmusici (Pop Musicians Calculation Tool), which then determined which career stage the artist was in. This assigned a fee set by the chain table of 284 euros per person (Stage 1) or 456.50 per person (Stage 2) per performance. This is the net amount individual musicians should earn per performance to reach fair pay level. This was then supplemented by an allowance for travel and technique costs, and any management (15%) and booker (15%) fees. Added together, these amounts make up the fair pay fee. The difference between this fair pay fee and the fee as determined by the stage leads to a fair pay supplement.
Research results
Erasmus University Rotterdam researchers during this pilot looked at the most effective financing method and the effects of fair pay on the sector. Some key findings from the research are:
- Unfair pay widespread: 76% of surveyed artists rate current fees as (totally) unfair.
- Wide variations in fees: For support acts, current fees are often only at the level of expense allowances, with amounts well below the fair pay amounts set by the Calculation Tool. Despite expecting less at a support show, current fees are so low that they make a loss.
- Cost of fair pay: The pilot showed a clear gap: the current gages of own shows (not support shows) required as much as 35% to 72% extra money to reach a fair pay fee.
The Fair Pay Calculation Tool is positively assessed for user-friendliness and validity but can be further optimised. The pilot has resulted in a blueprint for fair pay and there is more clarity on the financial support needed for its introduction.
The introduction of fair pay could also have a significant positive impact on the sector. These include better development opportunities for artists, a healthier working atmosphere and greater equality of opportunity. At the same time, the research points to challenges such as financing fair pay and possible increases in ticket prices.
Possible solution and funding
With the successful completion of the pilot, a possible solution for structural fair pay will be considered. Within the supporters of the VNPF (pop venues) there is a lot of support and motivation to work towards this. Fonds Podiumkunsten, co-financier of the pilot, is also willing to discuss this further. Sponsors from the market are also being considered. Among others, Heineken N.V. is investigating a possible contribution to finance fair pay.
The Fair Pop Pilot was conducted by Platform ACCT and researched by Erasmus University Rotterdam. The pilot was funded by Fonds Podiumkunsten, Cultuurfonds, Fonds 21 and VSBfonds.
The Fair Pop Pilot will be presented on Friday 17 January, from 15.00, during the panel Fair Pop Pilot: the results and the next step at Eurosonic/Noorderslag (Oosterpoort in Groningen).
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