The CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule is sort of like a minimum wage for artists. It sets minimum recommended rates for the use of artwork and certain services that visual artists provide. Though it is recommended, organizations from art councils and galleries, to the provincial government use it as a base for fees, artist authenticity certification, and grants. We recommend that all artists use it as a base for requested fees in contracts and other arrangements, as it is updated yearly. The fees are a minimum we recommend, so you can always ask for higher! You as an artist should get paid any time your work is being exhibited, regardless of if it’s for sale.
Contact us at CARFAC BC if you have any questions about the fee schedule, or how it applies to your specific situation. If we cannot answer it, we’ll bring in representatives from CARFAC National to help further. We encourage every artist to join our organization so that we might better support you.
A brief history of the fee schedule
Since 1968, CARFAC has issued its exhibition fee schedules. These schedules were developed from rates established by Jack Chambers and Tony Urquhart in 1968. They are updated yearly through negotiation and usage while reflecting increases in the cost of living. All fees are considered minimum payments for the use of the copyrights and/or the professional services of visual and media artists.
The payment of the Exhibition Right for the public exhibition of artistic production became part of federal copyright law in 1988. This exhibition fee is payment for the use of work created after June 7, 1988, in an exhibition in a public space where the gallery receives public funds. The exhibition fee only applies when the artwork shown is not being actively presented for sale or hire. When artworks created after June 7, 1988, in a gallery’s permanent collection are exhibited, a copyright exhibition fee is required to be paid. Copyright fees and royalties are subject to GST; the GST is not included in the listed fees.