Polish Composers' Union supports the draft bill on social security for artists

The Polish Composers' Union supports the concept and principles included in the draft act on social security for professional artists. Similarly to any group of professionals, this one has its own specific characteristics, to which all mature European countries—from the Czech Republic and Lithuania to Germany and France—have long adapted their national healthcare and pension systems. At a relatively low cost, the act offsets health and pension contributions that artists are unable to cover at any given time due to the irregularity of their income. It is this very irregularity that is a fundamental feature of artistic professions, often causing individuals to fall out of the system.

State aid in this area concerns a relatively small group of people – freelancers whose main source of income is artistic activity.

• It does not apply to artists employed on a full-time basis – whether in an orchestra, a theatre, or at an art university.
• It does not apply to "celebrities and stars" whose income exceeds the upper threshold, which is set just slightly above the statutory minimum wage.
• It does not apply to "hobbyists" – the document establishes a lower income threshold that must be derived from artistic activity.

Such an act should have been passed 30 years ago. Over this time, far more costly regulations easing the use of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) have been introduced, such as KRUS for farmers or the flat-rate tax for small business owners. The bill currently under consideration is nothing exceptional; at a relatively low cost, it simply makes it easier for artists to be included in the common insurance system.

It seems that regulating the life situation of this particular social group—which is vital for maintaining Polish identity in a globalized world—astonishingly draws opposition from many circles. All columnists, journalists, and politicians familiar with the term "soft power" should think twice before inciting Polish readers, viewers, and their electorates to attack Polish artists for the sake of private or partisan interest—labeling them, as they say, "freeloaders," "failures," "hobbyists," and "celebrities hiding their income".

The nationwide, merit-based discussion on the act taking into account the specifics of artistic professions officially began in the form of multi-sector conferences and consultations nearly a decade ago, under the auspices of Professor Piotr Gliński, the former Minister of Culture and National Heritage. Ultimately, the law did not pass, but we are very pleased that the matter has been taken up and is being finalized by Minister Marta Cienkowska and a government composed of what were then opposition groups. It is heartening that there are still issues in Poland that are more important than political divisions.

We ask everyone who cares about the culture, strength, and future of the Republic of Poland for a substantive discussion, based on facts and a thorough knowledge of the text of the bill under consideration. May the incitement and epithets be used by those living in a different civilizational model.

The Presidium of the Main Board of the Polish Composers' Union