Artists as managers of the arts in a context of precarious work

Abstract

This article aims to address the decision of performing artists (music, dance, and theater) to pursue a dual role by working professionally in arts management. A reflection is made on the relationship between the precariousness of artistic work, which is characterized, and this inclination towards management, both independently and within cultural institutions. This is done by gathering testimonies from performing artists in Mexico, as well as by revisiting the ongoing discussion on this topic in other countries. Thus, it is concluded that there is a link between precarious artistic working conditions and the dedication of performing artists to arts management as a second professional activity. Furthermore, it argues that artist-managers necessarily possess a particular perspective on arts management due to their position and training as artists, which enriches the practice of management as a whole.