Thanks for Error014 for the link to the statistic data.

I have been on a meeting in my town today, in Bielefeld.
There have been about 100-200 people, and those people were quite aware what they are demonstrating for.
This is not much, but I didn't expect more people there for now.

Nonetheless, two way more important protests are next Saturday in Frankfurt and Berlin.

EDIT:
Short commentary on being a freelance artist:
The example that fogman posted is a person who comes from 'within the industry' and IMo that's an important base to start from when you want to make a living as a freelance.
IMO, you have to establish a standing within the industry to call yourself a freelance artist, otherwise you are missing a proof that you are actually can do it... Just my two cents.