Current Calls for Artists to provide work without a fee

It has come to our attention that artists are being approached to be part of a new national collection. The request is for work to be donated and signed over as a gift to the organising institution. The printing of the work, inclusion in a future exhibition and publication form the basis for remuneration. We would like to remind artists that it is their right to be paid and treated in an equitable manner, and that it is unusual to be asked to donate work to a national art collection without a stipend or commissioning fee.

The decision to be a part of any project should not be predicated upon offering work for free. This is not in keeping with guidelines on artists’ payment and policies put in place by funding bodies. We recommend that artists consider this when making their decision to participate in any project. Whilst it may be considered an honour to be included in such projects, it is clear that the expectation is that organisations extend that honour by respecting artists as professionals who they treat in an equitable, fair and respectful manner.