Fair compensation for artists
Do you, as an organisation, give sufficient consideration to the fact that you not only have to pay your permanent employees and suppliers for the services and goods you need, but also the artists you invite or commission? Do you take this into account sufficiently when drawing up a budget and do you have the right legal knowledge in house?
‘Loont passie?’ [Does passion pay?] A study on the socio-economic position of professional artists in Flanders in November 2016 scientifically confirmed what many in the arts sector have long been denouncing: professional artists often work for free. Too often.
In Belgium, artists have the right to take on individual assignments, with the status of salaried employee, possibly via a temporary employment contract with a Social Bureau for Artists (SBK) or with an artist visa. Depending on the activity, sectoral collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) also apply.
In August 2017, several artists and staff from arts organisations launched a solidarity network between freelance artists and their supporters: Handvest. In June 2020, the members of art sector federation oKo launched Juist is Juist (“What’s Right is Right”) with four principles, twelve agreements and a toolbox.
Cultuurloket offers in-depth legal and business information online and organises training. The Performing Arts Social Fund, VIVO and Syntra offer opportunities for further training. FlandersDC explains what is involved in organising a creative team.
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