At B.A.U our objective is simple. We believe that without consensus over industry minimums, we all suffer as we continue to race each other to the bottom. B.A.U aims to create a platform for independent artists to collectively decide minimum wages and stipends in regards to services rendered. Any representative of the cultural sector is welcome to create a branch within the Berlin Artists Union. B.A.U than hopes to help facilitate discussion and implementation of fair standards for independent artists earning their living in Berlin.

B.A.U encourages competition for work, so long as that competition does not hinder an individuals ability to make a livable wage from that work. In 2006, 10% of Berlin's economy was generated by the cultural sector, roughly 2.4 billion Euros. This represents one of the largest single economic contributors in Berlin. This economic influence holds the potential to make Berlin's creative scene one of the most powerful economic factors in the city, when organized this could potentially result in policy improvements, and a higher standard of living for Berlin's artists.

By signing up for membership we can begin to amass our collective leverage. We can also begin to hold discussion over fair wage standards for artists working in Berlin. In order for this movement to work, we need to gather a large number of supporters. When enough artists in the city are made aware of B.A.U and its collectively generated policy's, independent artists will be able to use their collective agreements in negotiating pay rates and wages. An example might be: The live music branch of B.A.U. sets a standard that every musician receives a minimum of 20 Euro's per evening of performance. Anything under this would represent a violation of B.A.U standards. When enough bands and performers accept this value frame, it will become the new industry standard. Organizers, bar owners, and event location will know that their exists an agreed upon minimum wage for any group they may want to have in their location. Above this level, bands are encouraged to compete by offering the best services and prices possible. B.A.U is there only to hold the bottom line.

This is the first step in creating an independent artists union. We have found no example of this having been done before. If the government refuses to enforce a minimum wage in Berlin, than B.A.U believes it is our right and duty to do so ourselves. In order to acheive these goals we need your help. First, we need you to sign up as a member, there is no obligation, the sign up exists so that we can judge the level of interest in the project, when we have what we feel is a large enough mass of members we will than open the floor to discussion over industry standards. Secondly, we need your support. Those of you who would like to become directly involved please contact us. If the response to this project is as large as we hope it will be, we need help in organizing an online site that can facilitate the conversation between artists. If you have skills in this field or others that might be of use. Please contact us.

This idea is open to your opinions and feedback. Please write to us at:

berlinartistsunion@googlemail.com

with your comments, questions, and feedback.

Hoping to here from you soon,

The B.A.U team