"Compensate" always seems like an odd word to use for paying someone to do what they presumably enjoy. To me "compensate" primarily means giving someone money/s

"Compensate" always seems like an odd word to use for paying someone to do what they presumably enjoy. To me "compensate" primarily means giving someone money/something in exchange for loss or inconvenience you've caused them. Is that not the meaning you're using? Personally, I suggest "pay", as in "no system for paying artists".