who is I AM U?
International Art Models Unite or IAMU is an effort initiated by UK-based life models to raise awareness of the profession of life modelling, and to promote a dialogue on the issues of pay and conditions.
Over the summer of 2020 as the UK was locked down due to Coronavirus, life models faced an almost complete halt of their usual work. Like so many freelancers in the arts sector, life models did not qualify for any financial help from the Government. But long before the pandemic, life models have faced inconsistencies in pay and conditions, and so we are getting together to raise awareness and to campaign for equitable pay and better recognition of what we do.
Life models are artists and performers in their own right. We bring our own artistry, skill and talent to the life class and this can lead to stronger, more compelling artwork.
Read our Open Letter and add your name to the list of signatories to help promote equitable pay and better working conditions for life models.
The aim is to collect as many life model signatories as possible and to share the letter with tutors and artists and collaborators. With a collective voice, we will then be in a position to approach the institutions and those employers currently paying less than £15 per hour, to start a dialogue on improving pay for life models. We envisage this to happen in the latter part of 2021 or early 2022.
In the letter we call for a recommended minimum rate of £20 per hour for all life models in the UK. By signing the letter you are not saying that you will not work for less than that, just that you support a dialogue to raise pay for life models. Of course each model will make a decision on a case by case basis whom they work for, and for what pay.
There are many examples of best practise and hosts and employers paying the recommended rate and more. We hope this initiative can help champion these groups and individuals as well as shine a light on those who could do better.
Needless to say, it’s a challenging time for organisations and their finances, and some might argue that this is not the time to be asking for a pay rise. We would assert that equitable pay is always justified, especially given the crucial part life models play in the curricula of so many art schools and clubs and the booming popularity of life drawing with the public.
The letter does have a focus on the UK, but we believe it is something that resonates with life models internationally. Indeed, life modelling online transcends practically all geographic boundaries. Life models from all parts of the world are invited to sign the letter, and to contribute their own views and knowledge on the profession of life modelling.
The open letter and the articles on this website have been chiefly authored by life models Tiziana Coste and Kam (David) Wan with invaluable help and guidance from life models from across the UK and Europe, tutors, artists and drawing club owner/hosts.
