Artists of Instagram?

 Web 2.0 is a concept that I was unfamiliar with prior to starting this course even though it is something I use everyday and have been using for years. As a dancer my practice is centred around live performances and events, however over recent years and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic web 2.0 has become a significant part of my practice. 

The importance of having an online presence for the purpose of self-promotion was first highlighted to me during my graduate year at ballet school when we were encouraged to create an online portfolio. I decided that I would create a public instagram profile to use as a platform for self-promotion. This gave me the freedom to share my portfolio images and information and provided an easy method of communication between myself and any potential colleagues, employers and collaborators. Through sharing content on social media I am also increasing my exposure worldwide and thus increasing the possibility for new opportunities to arise. 

I was always aware that for all the good social media can bring there had to be a downside but I didn't realise the full extent of this until recently. As the arts industry begins to change and incorporate Web 2.0 the expectations of artists is also beginning to change. An example of this is the necessity for a performer to have a portfolio containing video footage. 10-15 years ago a director or producer would generally require you to bring a headshot and a couple of printed photos along with your CV to an open audition and only in some cases would you be expected to send this information via email (or other means) prior to the audition date. These days most companies and directors expect you to send a link to a showreel or class footage a long with your headshot, photos and CV weeks before the audition date, something that would not be possible without the utilisation of web 2.0. This development adds another level of stress to the audition process. Everybody knows that you can re-film something as many times as you want so an unhealthy expectation of perfection is being placed on dancers and performers.

Directors and employers in general are also now making a point of checking potential employees social media and general web presence as part of the hiring process. As a performer I have always been extremely cautious of what I like and share on social media and in a way many people create a different personna for themselves for the purpose of social media. In theory everyone is and should be entitled to having and sharing their own opinions and beliefs but by sharing them through social media and web 2.0  one may inhibit the opportunities they are given in the future. The inclusion of social media handles into artists bios on websites and in programs further accentuates this issue. Performers are beginning to find themselves becoming "accidental influencers" in the sense that their social media is essentially becoming a fan base for them which, for the most part, isn't a bad thing but can become an issue if there are controversial events occurring in society. Many artists try to take the stance of avoiding the subject to avoid influencing their followers opinions or "saying the wrong thing" but end up receiving hate for not addressing the issue and "not caring". 

Web 2.0 is great for allowing communication and interaction with a wider network but also adds an extra degree of stress to the lives of many. As performers many of us are essentially becoming "artists of instagram" portraying ourselves only in the best light (figuratively and literally) in order to advance our careers.