Published: 2025-02-27 | Photo: Matthijs Mekking
Fair pay for live performances for all Dutch acts at venues must be implemented structurally. This is the opinion of a large majority of respondents who participated in the Fair Pop Pilot in the autumn of 2024. The study evaluated the implementation of fair compensation for artists performing at eight Dutch venues between September and November 2024. The results of this pilot were presented during a panel at ESNS on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Between September and November 2024, a pilot was conducted with both emerging (Phase 1) and developing (Phase 2) artists. They performed at eight participating locations where they received fair compensation. This remuneration is based on eleven criteria established in the (online) Fair Pay Calculation Tool for Pop Musicians. This tool was developed by the Pop Chain Table of Platform ACCT but had not been tested in practice before. For the purpose of the study, this was done by 604 musicians during 151 performances, divided into 76 headlining shows and 75 support shows.
The participating artists completed the Fair Pay Calculation Tool for Pop Musicians (‘Calculation Tool’) themselves, which then determined the artist’s career phase. Based on this, a fee established by the chain table was awarded, amounting to 284 euros per person (Phase 1) or 456.50 per person (Phase 2) per performance. This is the net amount individual musicians should earn per performance to reach a fair pay level. This was further supplemented by compensation for travel and technical costs, and potential fees for management (15%) and booking agents (15%). Added together, these amounts constitute the fair pay compensation. The difference between this fair pay compensation and the performance fee as determined by the venue leads to a fair pay supplement.
Key findings from the study:
• Unfair compensation widespread: 76% of the surveyed artists rate current fees as (totally) unfair.
• Large disparities in fees: For support acts, current fees are often only at the level of expense reimbursements, with amounts far below the fair pay levels established by the Calculation Tool. Despite lower expectations for a support show, current fees are so low that they result in a financial loss.
• Costs of fair pay: The pilot demonstrated a clear gap: for current fees of headlining shows (excluding support shows), as much as 35% to 72% in additional funding was required to reach a fair pay compensation.
The Fair Pay Calculation Tool is rated positively for user-friendliness and validity but can be further optimized. The pilot has resulted in a blueprint for fair pay, and there is more clarity regarding the financial support needed for its implementation.
Furthermore, the introduction of fair pay can have a significant positive impact on the sector. This includes better development opportunities for artists, a healthier working environment, and greater equality of opportunity. At the same time, the study points to challenges such as the funding of fair pay and potential increases in ticket prices.
Possible solution & funding
With the successful completion of the pilot, a possible solution for structural fair pay is being explored. There is significant support and motivation within the constituency of the VNPF (pop venues) to work toward this. The Performing Arts Fund NL, co-funder of the pilot, is also willing to engage in further discussions on this matter.
In addition, sponsors from the market are being considered. Heineken N.V., among others, is investigating whether a contribution can be made to fund fair pay.
The Fair Pop Pilot was carried out by Platform ACCT and researched by Erasmus University Rotterdam. The pilot was funded by the Performing Arts Fund NL, the Cultuurfonds, Fonds 21, and VSBfonds.
