Introduction

For the past two decades I have been deeply immersed in the arts as a professional artist, particularly dance. Graduating with a degree in Dance Studies in 2004 marked the beginning of my career as an artist. I first started dancing at the Wicklow School of Dance at the age of seven, followed by participation in the Dublin Youth Dance Company, and later pursued further training at Inchicore College of Further Education during my school transition year. These early experiences, though challenging at times, were incredibly enjoyable and solidified my commitment to life as an artist.

Navigating Creative Opportunity and Financial Insecurity

The opportunity to create and flexibility are among the greatest benefits of my life as an artist. There’s significant freedom to explore and share what I’m passionate about, collaborate creatively with others, and work in different locations (which is always inspiring as I love to experience other cultures, rhythms, and landscapes). Some of my greatest friendships were formed through creative collaborations. Yet, unsurprisingly, there’s been a consistent struggle with financial instability. Factors like a lack of health insurance, stable housing, and savings, can be consistent worries, especially as I get older. Although Ireland ranks as one of the top economic countries in the world, financial imbalances run deep, and those most at risk, as well as the arts sector, can often bear the brunt. Wage disparities, the housing crisis, and the cost of living crisis are all part of a reality that can force more established artists to abandon their professional careers at a time when they have gained valuable experience and have much to offer the field, as well as dissuading younger artists from joining the sector.

Embracing Change

Much of being an artist means being open to change and, as time goes by, our interests may evolve, leading us to seek new avenues of expression that motivate and inspire us. For me, that journey led to dance-on-screen projects a decade ago. Despite limited training in film, I moved directly from live performance into this new field, driven by a desire to tell biographical stories through movement at diverse locations. Although I previously worked extensively with autobiography, I now focus almost exclusively on the artist biographies of early modern dance pioneers whose narratives aren’t widely known. Working with film has been a continuous learning curve that has kept my artistic practice moving and evolving. Although I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, this has led me to embrace new artistic approaches to storytelling and movement. I find it very fulfilling and interesting to reach new dance audiences in the realms of arthouse cinema or conference settings. Before transitioning into film my main focus was as a live performer and choreographer in theatre spaces, which environmentally brought its own opportunities and inspiration. Now I find immense inspiration in filming at locations previously frequented by the artists I focus on, engaging with their stories within their past environments.

Work-life Balance

Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging in the arts where the boundaries between work and life often blur. As a self-employed artist my working hours frequently bspill into evenings and weekends, largely spent on research and administrative tasks such as applications. I also engage extensively in archival research for my projects which I find fascinating but this adds to the time spent at a desk rather than in a dance studio. Consequently I can struggle to maintain a structured timetable that prioritises physical activity, leading to prolonged periods where I am inclined to lie on the couch at the end of the day. However, attending weekly movement classes provides me with structure, energy, and a way to decompress. No matter how tired I may feel, these classes are always worth it and rejuvenate my energy for other activities.

I recently completed training in Yin Yoga from which I've experienced great benefits, alongside attending a few dance classes per week. It can be challenging to prioritise taking time to recharge especially when caught up in a busy schedule or overwhelmed by stress. However, amidst the constant effort to make a living it's important to strive for balance whenever possible to enhance quality of life. I highly recommend dance or any form of movement to anyone who is interested. Moving your body in new ways can really open you up to new energies, feelings, and perspectives, and can simply make life more interesting.

Maintaining Motivation

Rejection is a constant companion in my life as a freelance artist. Though I've come to expect it, investing a lot of time and energy into an idea, only to have a proposal rejected, receive a negative review, or struggle to share my work widely, can be really disheartening. Touring has been one of my biggest challenges throughout my career, especially since my work in various genres tends to be on the experimental side. Despite the growing number of arts and film festivals, competition is high and securing touring opportunities both in Ireland and abroad can be extremely difficult.

Maintaining motivation amidst multiple rejections requires much trust and willpower. Unwavering self-belief isn't always easy or possible and being an artist doesn't automatically mean being confident. While rejections can deplete my energy I try to trust that the right audience will eventually see my work and that the right opportunities will arise. Ongoing support from peers, partner organisations like Wicklow Arts Office and The Arts Council, and feedback from audience members, are vital motivators to persevere in the field. Resilience, passion for an idea, and the desire to make a positive impact, help to propel my artistic practice forward.

For those hesitant to engage in creative pursuits due to a lack of confidence or fear, remember that high levels of confidence aren't a necessity. Self-confidence can also develop through creative work. With dance, for instance, engaging creatively and more deeply with your body, emotions, and feelings can be incredibly empowering and transformative.

Continuing Education

Recently, I made the decision to return to college to pursue a Master’s in Cultural Policy and Management. This choice came during a somewhat challenging period as an artist in my early forties, marked by what felt like limited opportunities and a looming sense of instability. I felt compelled to learn more deeply about the cultural landscape that has been my home for so long. Returning to academia after such a long gap has been a lot of work, but it has been fascinating to gain a wider perspective on the impact of the arts, including its economic and diplomatic importance.

I am extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of activists and organisations across the country, such as the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) and The Arts Council, who advocate for issues like equal pay for artists. While the introduction of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) demonstrates firmer government commitment and awareness regarding poor standards of living across the arts sector, this can act as a step towards further radical initiatives.

Conclusion

Embracing life as an artist can be a journey of constant adaptation and resilience. Balancing creative pursuits with financial insecurity and life planning, the path is filled with both rewards and challenges. Pushing beyond what I know, embracing new mediums, and seeking further education have been crucial steps in my evolution as an artist.

As we progress through different stages of our lives, interests and passions naturally evolve. It feels important to embrace those changes and trust in our own inclinations, even if they diverge from others'. It's natural to question our relevance as artists, especially when faced with criticism, rejection, or when exploring new ways of working. However, ultimately, staying true to our unique interests and authentic expression feels essential. Dance has offered me many of the most fulfilling moments in my life, as well as guided me through some of the more challenging times, and continues to bring me happiness and fulfilment. 

Reflection Question:

How has art, in any of its forms, influenced your life or outlook?  Is there a particular creative pursuit you have been yearning to explore?  

Biography:

Áine is a dance artist and filmmaker from Wicklow Town. Since 2014 she has been developing film productions based on Lucia Joyce, daughter of the Irish writer James Joyce. Her Arts Council-funded feature ‘Horrible Creature’ examines Lucia's time in Switzerland and premiered at The Irish Film Institute. Her recent work, a stand-alone film installation based on Lucia and Finnegan’s Wake, titled ‘Somewhere in the Body’, premiered at Project Arts Centre and screened as part of Dublin Dance Festival and presented as a solo installation at Château Hornegg au Lac in Zurich, Her current project in development is a feature film ‘When Life is Silent’ that explores the little known dance history of Monte Verità Foundation, Switzerland, funded by The Arts Council, Wicklow County Arts Office Strategic Project Awards 2024, and developed in partnership with Mermaid Arts Centre and Fondazione Monte Verità.