Advocacy for Social, Economic and Fiscal Status

Advocacy for Improved Social Status

Raising Public Awareness: VAI works to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of visual artists’ contributions to society. Through exhibitions, public lectures, and media campaigns, VAI showcases the vital role that visual artists play in cultural and community life. By raising awareness, VAI seeks to build a broader base of support and recognition for artists.

Promoting Artists’ Rights: VAI actively campaigns for the recognition of artists’ rights. This includes advocating for fair treatment, intellectual property rights, and the proper attribution of artists’ work. By promoting these rights, VAI aims to improve the social standing of artists, ensuring they are respected and valued members of society.

Economic Advocacy

Research and Data Collection: One of VAI’s key strategies is conducting comprehensive research to understand the economic realities faced by visual artists. Studies like “The Social, Economic, and Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland” provide valuable data that highlights issues such as income levels, employment conditions, and financial stability. This research forms the basis of VAI’s advocacy work, allowing them to present evidence-based arguments to policymakers and stakeholders.

Advocacy for Better Funding: VAI advocates for increased funding for the arts at both the national and local levels. This includes advocating for higher grants, subsidies, and financial support for individual artists and arts organisations. By securing more funding, VAI aims to improve the economic conditions for visual artists, allowing them to sustain their practice and contribute more effectively to the cultural landscape.

Supporting Fair Pay and Employment Practices: VAI promotes fair pay and employment practices within the arts sector. This includes advocating for standardised contracts, fair wages, and proper compensation for commissioned work. VAI provides resources and guidance to help artists negotiate better terms and conditions, ensuring they receive fair remuneration for their work.

Fiscal Advocacy

Taxation and Social Welfare Policies: VAI advocates for tax policies that recognise the unique nature of artists’ work. This includes lobbying for tax exemptions or reductions on art sales and grants, as well as advocating for artists’ eligibility for social welfare benefits during periods of low income. By addressing these fiscal issues, VAI aims to provide a more stable financial environment for artists.

Advisory Services: VAI offers advisory services to help artists navigate the complexities of taxation and financial management. These services include workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations that cover topics such as tax planning, financial literacy, and long-term financial stability. By equipping artists with this knowledge, VAI helps them manage their finances more effectively and take advantage of available fiscal benefits.

Policy Influence

Engagement with Policymakers: VAI engages directly with policymakers to advocate for legislative and policy changes that benefit visual artists. This includes providing testimony, submitting policy proposals, and participating in advisory committees. By maintaining a presence in these discussions, VAI ensures that the needs and concerns of visual artists are represented at the highest levels of decision-making.

Building Alliances: VAI collaborates with other arts organisations, unions, and advocacy groups to build a unified front in support of artists’ interests. These alliances strengthen VAI’s advocacy efforts, making it easier to achieve common goals such as improved funding, better employment conditions, and fair tax policies.