Artists unhappy with Punjab govt’s ‘limited’ aid

The Punjab government has started making payments to artists under the Artists Support Fund before Eidul Azha.

The arrears of the last four months was paid to 1,372 artists simultaneously. In this regard, cheques were distributed among the artists by the Lahore Arts Council (LAC).

Reportedly, the decision to pay artists during the lockdown brought a wave of relief among the artists but many artists and technicians were still protesting the lack of funding in the industry.

It is said that the money given to artists was meager and it was impossible to make ends meet. In this regard, LAC Executive Director (ED) Saman Rai said that the amount given earlier by the Artists Support Fund was divided into three categories comprising of 125 artists. “One list of artists was paid Rs25,000, the second list as paid Rs20,000 while the third list was paid Rs15,000 monthly.”

However, the total number of deserving artists was 1,372 but more could not be paid in the budget allocated by Punjab government for this purpose, she added. “As soon as we received the grant money, we passed it on to the artists for the dues pending for the months of March, April, May and June. If we look at the current situation, this was a good move by Punjab government which had financially supported the artists.”

She further said the LAC had started online activities in the era of coronavirus. “Online art activities not only provide work to people but also convey a positive message through arts.”

In this regard, LAC had planned many projects in the future as well, she highlighted. “This will not only provide an opportunity for artists in the field of painting, but also launch online classes for the training of youth in Alhamra.”

Reportedly, theatre artists had once again protested the current lockdown situation. Artists and technicians in the metropolitan cinema protested against the government. The artists were holding placards while slogans were also being chanted. The only demand of the artists was that they be allowed to work with SOPs.

An artist told The Express Tribune that in the current Covid-19 pandemic situation, the artists need work, not aid. “Now we have started protesting and it will continue.”

Film actress Meera had also made a formal request to the LAC and reportedly sought help for the artists. She had taken a stand in the application that she was facing severe financial difficulties due to closure of showbiz activities during the coronavirus. “Therefore, I should be financially supported.”

‘One Man Show’ artist Ghaffar Lehri shared his story and said that he had set up an easy load stall, bidding farewell to the entertainment industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2020.