Performer is associated with time in role (not lead) (6)

I believe the answer is:

artist

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'performer' is the definition.
(eg a musician)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for artist that I've seen before include "Constable possibly" , "Eg, a painter" , "Painter; performer" , "Old learned man" , "Traits (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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