Art in the Park application form stirs ire of Windsor musicians

Art in the Park, one of Windsor's most popular cultural events, has drawn the criticism of the local music community — over the suggestion that performing artists who don't ask for payment will be given priority to play the festival.

The event's current online application form for entertainers reminds applicants that Art in the Park is a "local fundraiser," and asks applicants to provide information on whether there is a fee for their services.

According to a screenshot taken by local musician Kristopher Marentette, the form previously included the line: "It's important to note that our decision-making process will take into consideration the financial aspects, and the priority will be given to those offering their services either for free or at a minimal charge."

Marentette is a lifelong musician who has been a member of multiple Windsor bands. He says the original wording is another disappointing sign that the work of musicians is being devalued.

"I see it as being problematic," Marentette told CBC Windsor. "Especially when it's called an arts festival. To not want to approach the compensation of artists, it creates that slippery slope to the bottom."

Marentette noted that Art in the Park regularly draws more than 30,000 paying attendees over the course of a weekend (June 7 and 8 this year), with tickets at the gates costing eight dollars per person.

"This is a festival that last year took in hundreds of thousands of dollars in admittance fees and vendor fees," Marentette said. "We just want to see equity, in terms of what the performers are paid."

The Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) has been organizing Art in the Park annually since 1978. Along with hosting hundreds of art vendors, the festival features live musical entertainment.

Alan Kidd, chair of Art in the Park and past president of the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), clarified to CBC Windsor that main stage performers at the festival have always been — and will continue to be — appropriately compensated.

"Yes, we pay our musicians," said Kidd, adding that the festival has an entertainment budget of several thousand dollars.

Regarding whether the festival gives greater consideration to acts willing to perform without charge, Kidd noted that the entertainment budget is an expense that would otherwise go to charitable causes. "We're a volunteer organization — so we give priority to volunteers."

While Kidd acknowledged that the wording of the entertainer application form was changed in response to the controversy, he said the reality is that Art in the Park is only possible because many people are wiling to work for free — himself included.

"We're all volunteers that put on this event. It's a charity. We raise money to buy wheelchairs, school books, drinking water," he explained.

"People don't make that connection. They think of us like Ribfest or Bluesfest, where there's big money going into somebody's pocket... Yeah, we do raise a lot of money, but it all goes back into the community."

Kidd pointed out that Art in the Park now features a children's area that includes a small stage where people do magic tricks, book readings, and sing-alongs for kids. Some of those performers refuse payment — "because they understand what our values are," Kidd said.

Marentette said he has corresponded with Art in the Park organizers privately, and he doesn't bear the event any ill will.

"Art in the Park has been a family tradition of mine since I was a child. Of course, we want to see the festival continue," he said.

In April 2024, Marentette spoke out on a similar controversy when the Town of Essex asked for musical acts to sign up for the municipality's summer Tune Up the Parks concert series — with the stipulation that they would not be paid.

"My concern is that it's just a race to the bottom, and everybody's undercutting everybody else," Marentette said.

In an ideal world, Marentette said, experienced musicians would be treated like trades people. "It's an undertaking of training and equipment, dedication and perseverance, and striving for excellence — just like you would with any other career."

Windsor vocalist and music educator Sara Fontaine told CBC Windsor she shares Marentette's worries.

"This happens time and time again. As musicians, we're expected to just show up and do it because we love it. Maybe we'll get a free meal out of the deal," Fontaine said. "But that doesn't pay my mortgage."

Fontaine said her husband, bass player Ryan Fontaine, has performed on stage at Art in the Park and was paid for his work.

"I know that Rotary does valuable work in the community and elsewhere, and people do donate their time, but I think an art festival, with all it stands for, should value art."