The World’s End estate is pretty much out of sight from the private residents in Chelsea. The estate hasn’t changed much; we still have our built-in community, the church, theatre, corner shops, people struggling to survive in an area that has expensive bars, restaurants, retailers and groceries. The area around us is constantly being bought up and developed by corporates, turning it into private land. Business rates have gone up so much. People think of Chelsea as a rich area; actually, it has become an enclave for the super-rich.
Years ago, all the punk bands and rock ‘n’ roll stars lived around here. It was such a cultural area that embraced style, fashion and a community of misfits and artists. People could be on the dole and continue a career as an artist. You could rent cheap spaces to rehearse, create art or live and be at the heart of something great.
I have no support with my rent. I don’t claim from the job centre, as they don’t understand my choice of work or the way I choose to live. Being an artist is not a career; I have to find other ways to support myself. Working full time in a system that uses your time to make profit for others is not efficient for making art or for society in general. Corporate thinking has hijacked everything. Thirty years ago signing on and claiming the dole was how many artists were able to support their work. That system doesn’t exist any more, meaning that art truly is an activity for those with the privilege to make it.
Poor people need to make art too. So I have use to use my initiative, live a very simple lifestyle, depend on the generosity of friends and family and collaborating with artists and musicians. I guess the real difference between now and then is that everything is so much more precarious. Zero contract hours, no protection for long-term tenants. Guaranteed debt in return for educating yourself. None of it makes any logical sense for society.
I still question myself as a struggling black artist. Am I accepted because I’m the token black woman to make up a percentage of black artists, or for my hard work and talent?