ExposedNYC

One thing sets working in the arts apart from corporate America- alcohol is embraced as part of life. I realized this at the reading of a great play tonight, where although they were looking for funding, drinks for the audience and cast were still included in the budget.

Think about it- can you picture a gallery opening without the complimentary wine? And when’s the last time you heard of a theatrical production that didn’t include throwing a party for the opening and the closing? Artists and booze go hand in double-fisting hand.

And it’s not like they have a monopoly on drinking. Every bar near Wall Street is packed for happy hour, and lawyers are notorious for drinking away the stress of their job. Artists just choose to incorporate it into the work environment, instead of as an escape from it.

I know this may not always be a brilliant idea. Anyone who’s ever been to an office Christmas party knows that having a few too many and embarrassing yourself in front of your boss can haunt you forever. But there’s something nice about taking something that’s accepted process in our rituals of weddings, religious ceremonies, or just part of a nice dinner and having it acknowledged in your professional field.

Working in the arts is kind of like going over to your friend’s house whose mom let you watch R-rated movies and stay up later than you were supposed to. The acknowledgement of trusting you to enjoy yourself, but use sound judgment, is always a nice compliment- even though it completely backfires on occasion and you may never get to sleep over again.

The only profession I’ve ever seen come close to drinking as much as artists is the service industry. I’ve got to believe that it’s just because every server/bartender/coat check girl is actually an aspiring artist. Well, that and the close proximity to the bottle.

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