Status of the Artist in Canada: An Update on the 30th Anniversary of the UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Status of the Artist
Garry Neil
September 2010
Status of the Artist describes a category of legislation and other public policies directed at improving the economic and social status of professional artists.
The concept has two components.
• The important role that artists play in every human society should be acknowledged.
• Government legislation and programs should encourage creative expression and ensure equitable treatment for artists by responding to
the atypical manner in which they work.
Status of the Artist was first used in a process launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that culminated in 1980 in Belgrade, when the General Conference adopted the Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist. This was the end of a process of consultation with civil society and discussion among governments about issues of critical importance to the world’s artists and creators. The 1980 Recommendation is comprehensive in its survey of issues and contains substantive recommendations to governments for concrete actions to support artists.
The Recommendation defines “status” as signifying “on the one hand, the regard accorded to artists […] in a society, on the basis of the importance attributed to the part they are called upon to play therein and, on the other hand, recognition of the liberties and rights, includingmoral, economic and social rights, with particular reference to income and social security, which artists should enjoy.” It then addresses issues and recommends government actions on the following:
• Employment, working and living conditions of artists.
• Recognition of the rights of their professional and union organizations.
• Social status, including measures to ensure equivalent status to other workers in areas
such as health and insurance.
• Protection of freedom of expression and protection of intellectual property rights.
• The education and training of artists.
• The importance of arts education.
Status of the Artist describes a category of legislation and other public policies directed at improving the economic and social status of professional artists. The concept has three components.
• The important role that artists play in every human society should be acknowledged.
• Government legislation and programs should encourage creative expression and ensure equitable treatment for artists by responding to the atypical manner in which they work.
• Measures related to income, support during periods of unemployment, and retirement issues.
The UNESCO Recommendation was embraced by artists and their associations, who welcomed the depth of the recognition and scope of the recommendations. They left Belgrade with high hopes that governments around the world would act on the issues in the coming years.
This update on Status of the Artist will explore the impact of Status of the Artist legislation on artists in Canada by examining federal and provincial factors. The study will also discuss contemporary issues that have affected the welfare of artists in Canada, such as: taxation, employment insurance, copyright legislation, and seniors. Finally, the paper will look at international comparisons using case studies to determine the state of status of the artist legislation abroad.
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