Policies

Policy on the Right for Artists to be Paid

Following the 2011 survey, The Social Economic and Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland, Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of visual artists to receive fair payment in both Ireland and the broader European Union. VAI’s efforts have been instrumental in bringing attention to the financial challenges faced by artists and in pushing for policies that ensure they are fairly compensated for their work.

Advocacy and Policy Development

VAI has actively engaged with policymakers to develop and promote guidelines and policies that support fair payment for visual artists. This includes collaborating with government bodies, cultural organisations, and other stakeholders to highlight the importance of fair compensation for artists’ contributions to society and the economy.

Campaigns and Awareness

Through sustained campaigns, VAI has raised awareness about the need for equitable payment. Our advocacy has included public campaigns (Ask! Has the Artist Been Paid?|), educational initiatives, and the dissemination of information on best practices for compensating artists. These efforts have helped shift public and institutional perceptions, leading to a greater recognition of the value of artists’ work.

The Payment Guidelines

One of VAI’s significant contributions is the development and publication of payment guidelines. These guidelines serve as a benchmark for fair payment and have been widely adopted by galleries, museums, and other art institutions. We provide clear recommendations on appropriate fees for various types of work, helping to standardise compensation across the industry.

European Union Involvement

At the EU level, VAI has contributed to broader discussions on artists’ rights and payment. By participating in EU-wide forums and networks, VAI has helped to influence policies that protect and promote fair payment for artists across Europe. Our involvement has been crucial in ensuring that the needs and rights of visual artists are considered in EU cultural policies and funding programs.

Support and Resources

VAI also provides direct support to artists through resources such as contract templates, legal advice, and professional development workshops. These resources empower artists to negotiate fairer terms and better understand their rights.

Through these multifaceted efforts, Visual Artists Ireland has significantly advanced the cause of fair payment for visual artists, ensuring that their contributions are adequately recognised and compensated both in Ireland and throughout the EU.

Our Policy

An equitable payment policy for artists ensures that creators receive fair compensation for their work, reflecting its value and the labor invested.

Key principles include:

  1. Transparency: Payment structures will be clear, outlining how fees are determined, and ensuring artists understand the compensation process.
  2. Standardized Rates: Established rates based on industry standards and the nature of the work (e.g., exhibition making, outreach, consultancy, etc) helps prevent underpayment. These rates consider factors such as experience, project scope, and market value.
  3. Timely Payments: Artists will receive payments promptly upon completion of their work or according to a predefined schedule. This practice respects the artist’s time and financial needs.
  4. Contracts: Written agreements detail payment terms, deadlines, and conditions, protecting both the artist and the commissioning party.
  5. Royalties and Residuals: For works that generate ongoing revenue (e.g., music, films), artists will receive a fair share of profits through royalties or residual payments.
  6. Cost Coverage: Reimbursements for materials, travel, and other expenses related to the creation of the work should be provided, ensuring that artists are not out-of-pocket for project-related costs.
  7. Use of Artist Images: Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) acknowledges the unique nature of news and editorial content and the exceptions that may apply in terms of payment for visual artists in these contexts. These exceptions recognise the different market dynamics and the public interest role that editorial content serves. In keeping with guidance from IVARO, images used for purposes such as criticism, review, news reporting, education, and research, aligned with the purpose of informing or educating the public, are not subject to licensing. All other images will be paid for under licensing from the appropriate licensing authority or copyright holder at an agreed rate.

Implementing these principles fosters a fair and respectful environment for artists, encouraging creativity and sustaining the arts sector.

Adopted May 2012
Reviewed 2020,2023