2024 CARFAC BC Listening Sessions
Report by Tina Overbury
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Initial Purpose:
To update the story of CARFAC to illustrate the significance and relevance of CARFAC for all artists in BC;
To support the increase of CARFAC’s membership, and create new storytelling pieces that can be used for further fund development.
Additional purposes arising from the questionnaire serving the membership in a more direct and personal way:
Connect more directly with our membership to learn about their needs;
Create a strategic plan that reflects the voices and shared needs of our members;
Craft a digital story of CARFAC BC that reflects hearts and minds our membership.
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Of 225 members
Email Invitations were sent (x2)
6 member organizations with no direct name did not receive an email.
Membership list is healthy.
The average bounce rate for an email marketing campaign is 10.4%
All 219 emails were received (none of them bounced).
Your member engagement / loyalty to CARFAC is extremely healthy.
The average click-through rate is 1.4%
The average click-through rate for a non-profit membership base is 1.9%
Of the 219 invited, 74 (34%) members engaged with the form.
Of the 219 invited, 30 (13%) actively engaged in a conversation.
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Create and run Awareness Campaign for 2025 a) Who is CARFAC BC
Why does it exist re: impact
Why it matters even more today
Create a series of Gathering Events for 2025
This could be as simple as a ‘meet up’ for openings
This could be as complex as an annual ‘conference’
Begin a workshop series, offered online to address the needs of the members
This could be a monthly workshop offered online
This could be a Youtube channel
This could also be part of our social media
Create a ‘Quick Tools’ section on the website that answers questions
This could be similar to an FAQ with commonly asked questions like ‘how to ship your art across the border’
This could be a series of multiple use, templated letters like ‘letters to your MP’ etc…
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How long have you been a member of CARFAC?
Of the 72 members who responded, the responses came from members who have been with CARFAC:
1 year or less 19.4%
3 years or less 13.9%
5 years or less 12.5%
more than 5 years 54.2%
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*In their own words, and in the order of most to least.
31 — Painter
14 — Sculpture
12 — Textiles / fabric art
10 — Photography/film
9 — Mixed Media
8 — Installations
8 — Printmaker
5 — Written word/poetry
5 — Drawing/Pastel
5 — Collage & Mobiles
4 — Paper Artist
4 — Digital Art
3 — Ink
2 — Ceramics
2 — Graphic Design
2 — Book Making/Publishing
2 — Basketry
2 — Multi-disciplinary
2 — 3D Printing
2 — Live Art / Performance
1 — Sustainability
1 — Botanical Work
1 — Tapestry / weaving
1 — Papel Picado
1 — Multi-sensory
1 — Cultural Art
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In order of most to least
*Note the bullet points represent comments from other questions asked, however fit under the categories offered.45 — 64.3% — Writing Grants and Proposals
Adjusting to the DEI objectives and how that relates to grant applications
Jurying of artworks and the current process
Finding ways to get grants without spending hours when there is insufficient grant money to go around.
Why didn’t I get the grant I applied for?
With Canada council funding cut (and cut more if Conservatives get in) how to find funding
37 — 52.9% — Marketing Skills for Artists
How to promote myself and my work
Digital marketing, social media strategies
31 — 44.3% — The Creator Economy – Bridging Arts in the Business Sector
Different career paths for Artists
29 — 41.4% — Artist as the Entrepreneur
Pricing art
Workshops re: tax implications
Youth and Emerging Artist Programs: Develop programs specifically to support young and emerging artists, helping them transition from education to a professional career in the arts.
Navigating the art world
Negotiating contracts, and financial management tailored for artists.
Professional development
Help with National and international representation.
More Canada-wide art news, as well as exhibition opportunities
Support for artist residencies and funding sources.
Help the artists set a realistic value on visual art. Especially in the beginning of an artist career. Like self taught artists and new members to CARFAC.
26 — 37.1% — Navigating Contracts & Copyright
Online works – and copyright
Networking
17 — 24.3% — Working with AI
16 — 22.9% — Understanding DEI
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Increase efforts to support artists from marginalized communities, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities, representation in exhibitions, and tailored support to overcome specific barriers they may face.
Respect and inclusion for all artists and their works.
15 — 21.4% — Mental Health and Wellbeing
Releasing comparison while challenging yourself
12 — 17.1% — Creating Safe Spaces for Artists
Other (1 each)
Freedom (vs. Cancel Culture);
How to Keep Going in the Studio;
How to focus on creating rather than the business of art;
More in depth public art help;
Costs of things;
Mentorship;
Understanding the arts ecosystem;
Understanding taxes and end-of-life issues;
Understanding the difference between hobbyists and professionals (as a taxpayer);
Exhibiting internationally (incl. shipping/transportation/documentation);
Wills and donation of art so my art is looked after, stored properly when I pass;
Guidance on understanding legal rights;
Practical advice on having access to support channels;
Legal Support and Education: Offer more comprehensive legal support and education, including workshops on intellectual property rights, contract negotiations, and understanding artist residencies and commissions;
Help artist run centres get the funding so that they can pay the CARFAC fees.
Working in smaller communities;
Develop ways creatives can focus their energy in their studios and be less embroiled in other aspects of arts;
What to do with art before an artist dies! Donation? To whom? Or destroy the art so the art dies with the artist?
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in order of most to least
*note the bullet points represent comments from other questions asked, however fit under the categories offered.33 — 51% — Copyright and Protection of Artist Ownership;
20 — 31% — Wage Equity;
9 — 14% — Diversity of Voices;
7 — 11% — Reconciliation;
7 — 11% — Artist Mental Health in the Workplace.
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RIGHTS
Advocate for the Artist’s Resale Right, “as they do in 59 other countries around the world”;
Protection from AI;
Please keep pushing to ARR;
A way to pay creators and protect us, which ultimately preserves Canadian Culture;
Lobby the government for changes to the tax code to improve the lives of creators;
More lobbying the government;
to enact and enforce copyright law;
to give artists a 100% tax deduction for their donations of art to charities and public institutions without compelling them to declare their donations as income;
I would like CARFAC to have a more effective image about international theft of intellectual property.
GETTING PAID
We’ve lost our case for Fair Dealing, and my royalties payments significantly show that loss;
Continued advocacy for compensation;
Range of Fees rather than a minimum of fees;
Artists fees should be higher and smaller gallery spaces should be supported to be able to more easily access funding to pay showing artists;
I think CARFAC has done a good job of working toward fair pay for work done. However not all venues are able to pay CARFAC fees. That puts the artist in a difficult position, and the artist will often accept less payment than outlined by CARFAC;
Support for artists who are trying to be more visible globally and online;
Support for artists looking for funding.
PROTECTION
Having works stolen, ownership recognition – not knowing if my work is protected at all;
Defending against AI appropriation of artists’ works;
Continued protection against copyright violations;
Art fraud. This may be out of your jurisdiction, but I WISH Canada had an art fraud division of their police force because IP and copyright crime is BAD;
NFTs, AI, The law is slow to catch up to this, but we need some clarity on how to protect artists’ work in digital spaces.
AWARENESS
Education – for artists, and PR to the public;
Networking – with collectors and curators, the movers and shakers of the art world both locally and internationally;
Advocate for the institutions that support our work, so that they can properly fund us;
CARFAC is still not well known – needs marketing in smaller centres keep up the great work;
Boost national visibility;
CARFAC as a “brand” – so the public and arts organizations recognize artists with the CARFAC “label” as stellar professionals;
Encouraging professionalism among art institutions.
RELATIONSHIPS / PARTNERSHIPS
Initiatives to foster work with public schools
Help support artists through encouraging businesses that can help facilitate the work of artists. Artists shouldn’t have to do everything themselves!
Advocate for more Exhibition opportunities
Art into office buildings
ADVOCACY: OTHER
Increased Advocacy for Affordable Spaces: Continue to advocate for more affordable studio and living spaces for artists in Vancouver. This could include working with city planners and developers to create dedicated art spaces or co-living and co-working spaces tailored for artists;
Establishing the importance of accessible arts education for children and teens – audience building;
Expanding advocacy… positive agitation.
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ACTION/GENERATION
Arranging art shows.
Funding for master/mentor workshops in the interior of BC.
Corporate sponsorship – agitator for corporate sponsorship.
To encourage galleries to become CARFAC gallery.
Enhanced Marketing and Exposure Opportunities: Offer more opportunities for artists to showcase their work online and offline. This could include virtual galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and partnerships with local businesses to display art in public and commercial spaces.
Online courses and info sessions.
Workshops in communities… and CARFAC FEE to do that and that’s important to me, to pay CARFAC artists. , and I don’t see listings of residencies on the CARFAC SITE.
Expand the artist workshops, marketing
RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS
Conversations to stay abreast of the current conversation.
Conversations to stay on top of the changes we’re seeing in our industry.
Resources and workshops tailored for emerging artists.
Post show information & opportunities.
Providing affordable extended benefits.
What to do when not being paid the CARFAC fee?
Expanded Grant and Funding Assistance: Provide more resources and workshops on how to apply for grants and funding. This could include one-on-one grant writing assistance, mock application reviews, and connections to funding bodies.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Facilitate more networking events and collaborative projects among artists. This could include artist meet-ups, collaborative exhibitions, and interdisciplinary projects that bring together artists working with different mediums.
Mental Health and Well-being Support: Provide resources for artists’ mental health and well-being, including access to counselling services, stress management workshops, and peer support groups.
Keep us up to date on issues that relate to us.
Survey re: senior artists and prep for saving their legacies.
Cross-border procedures for artists, logistics for selling, traveling, residencies, etc.
Develop some online workshops that an artist member can access through the membership portal at any time.
Have available legal consultation (re. issues with granting bodies, issues involving copyright disputes).
ADMINISTRATION
Updates to the gallery guide.
Make the list of CARFAC Galleries public for the buyers.
List of juried exhibitions across Canada.
Growing visibility artist directory and featured artists.
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HELP
Help – community arts organizations support all levels of the arts: novice, amateur, emerging, professional etc.
Help – arts organizations get out of the “live or die” cycle of grant funding
Help – artists by speaking on behalf of artists when there is some difficulty with negotiations (with galleries or other professionals)
Help – Perhaps you could have a step by step guide for artists who are just emerging and getting representation. That would be helpful to me at this point in time.
Help – more unity and getting together as artists -exchange of ideas – making members feel they actually belong to something important
RECOMMENDED BY ARTISTS FOR CARFAC-BC
Stay focused on ©, contracts, marketing, etc. – bread and butter issues for artists’ survival & flourishing
I have bought paintings from Ukraine via Сіль-Соль could Carfac BC do something similar for artists in BC and Canada?
Host online charitable sales that could support artists and pay the fees for carfac membership. Possibly pay the membership fees for a few years into the future.
Digital Transformation and Innovation: ○ Develop a robust online platform that offers virtual galleries, artist profiles, and e-commerce capabilities to help artists sell their work globally.
Provide training on digital tools and technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and blockchain for art authentication and sales.
International Collaboration and Exchange Programs:
Create partnerships with international arts organizations to facilitate artist exchange programs, residencies, and collaborative projects. This can help artists gain global exposure and experience different cultural contexts.
Community Engagement and Public Art Initiatives:
Expand efforts to integrate art into public spaces and community projects. This can include murals, public sculptures, and interactive art installations that engage the wider community.
Partner with local schools and community centers to offer art education programs, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts and nurturing future artists.
Sustainable Practices and Environmental Art:
Promote and support sustainable art practices by providing eco-friendly materials and techniques resources.
Encourage and fund projects that focus on environmental themes, highlighting the role of art in raising awareness about sustainability and climate change.
Enhanced Mentorship and Career Development:
Establish a comprehensive mentorship program that pairs emerging artists with established professionals in their field. This can include regular check-ins, portfolio reviews, and career guidance.
Offer more in-depth career development programs covering various topics, from building a personal brand to navigating the art market.
Collaborations with Tech and Innovation Hubs:
Foster collaborations between artists and technology companies or innovation hubs. This can lead to cutting-edge art projects that explore the intersection of art and technology.
Host hackathons or innovation challenges where artists and technologists can come together to solve creative problems and develop new artistic tools.
Policy Advocacy and Cultural Policy Development:
Increase efforts in policy advocacy to ensure that the arts are adequately supported and funded by local, provincial, and federal governments.
Work with policymakers to develop and implement cultural policies recognizing and addressing artists’ unique challenges.
Wellness and Holistic Support Programs:
Develop programs that address the holistic well-being of artists, including mental health support, financial planning, and work-life balance.
Offer workshops and resources on self-care practices, stress management, and maintaining creative motivation.
Possible expansion of presence outside of major Vancouver and Toronto centers
Quarterly conventions that offer idea sharing, updates, workshops and connections in person
To be a place where artists can turn to for support. I think it’s important to maintain support for all artistic voices regardless of what stage or age an artist is in their career.
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In order of most to least.
*Note the bullet points represent the member’s explanation as to why they answered this way.41% — Yes
38% — Mostly
18% — I’m not sure
1% — Not really
Yes — 41%
As the National association of Canada’s professional visual and media artists CARFAC is most important as an advocacy organization for our professional development and support by producing an updated schedule of artist fees plus by defending artists’ rights.
CARFAC is okay. I am too busy trying to survive. I cannot be as involved as I used to be.
I think you are amazing, all of you that work to help the arts
I like the quick response I receive when I call or email my question. I appreciate this the most. Thank you!
I think so… as I mentioned before, I have only been with you a year so I dont have much to compare
Considering limited budgets for arts organizations, I appreciate the work done at the federal level
Without having to ask for it, I had an opportunity to get featured on CARFAC BC social media. This initiative is well appreciated.
Since I’m not marketing myself a lot I’m a bit out of the loop but when I look at the whole picture for other artists and what CARFAC is doing I think you’re doing a great job.
I’m 70 years old. I have a gallery that represents my work. I’m very happy with what CARFAC has to offer artists.
I often exhibit in galleries that are community run so no fees are paid.
Even though I don’t always get CARFAC fees for my artwork and/or related work, I am pleased to say that some venues do pay CARFAC fees. I need to point out that the Eastside Arts Society / Eastside Crawl are very good at advocating for artists and do pay CARFAC fees.
I have always felt that CARFAC has met its goals in informing artists for matters of contracts, minimum payments, etc..
Happy for all your endeavours
When I have made the effort to look through your website and what information is available to me, I’m good. It’s that extra step of taking the time to figure out what issue I’m having, what questions to ask, and what kind of information I need. Most days just getting myself to the canvas is hard enough.
I am grateful to CARFAC every time I get paid an artist fee. Also have appreciated help re sending work across the border.
You have your fingers on the Political pulse of it all and I believe that you do a good job of advocacy for us.
You are helping artists learn their rights, understand their worth, and confidently ask for what they are entitled to. I used Artist outreach and wrote an article about it to help educate other artists about their copyrights. I am also gaining confidence and understanding of what to ask for my work or reproduction. Thank you.
Mostly — 38%
Considering what is possible, the CARFAC is doing well.
CARFAC generally does a great job in its selected areas, and I appreciate that.
You have established an environment where skilled professionals can expect reasonable pay for their work and skill
Honestly, I think you’re doing an excellent job with what you have to work with. Your team is great, you’re focusing on the most important topics, and you’re great and welcoming in “on-the-ground” artists across Canada. I wish you could do more, but like I said, you would need more resources and staff to do that.
From what I have seen I am mostly satisfied. It is hard to keep up with all the organization’s actions.
I can see the $65 being a barrier for some artists. How about a sliding scale?
I think DEI is a distraction from CARFAC’s mandate
Perhaps establish more avenues for artist exposure (eg. directories, features)
I have had direct help with showing my work in the USA.
There needs to be more classes, workshops, and art talks offered on a regular basis about pertinent issues artists face in 2024 (in these post covid times of rising living costs, AI, etc…)
I am mostly satisfied with how CARFAC represents me and addresses my needs as an artist for several reasons:
Advocacy for Artist Rights: CARFAC’s consistent efforts to advocate for artists’ legal rights are invaluable. Their work ensures fair compensation, protects intellectual property and promotes ethical practices within the industry, which helps create a more equitable environment for artists.
Access to Resources: The practical advice and skills development opportunities provided by CARFAC have been instrumental in my growth as an artist. Workshops, webinars, and resource materials on contract negotiations, grant writing, and marketing have equipped me with essential skills to navigate art.
Community and Networking: CARFAC fosters community among artists, offering numerous networking opportunities. Whether through events, exhibitions, or online forums, the ability to connect with fellow artists and industry professionals has been enriching and supportive.
Professional Development: CARFAC’s commitment to professional development is evident in its diverse programming. From business skills to creative workshops, the range of offerings helps artists develop their artistic practice and professional careers.
Advocacy at All Levels: CARFAC’s engagement with local, provincial, and federal policymakers ensures that artists’ voices are heard at all levels of government. Their role in shaping cultural policies and securing funding for the arts is crucial for the sustainability of the arts community.
Diversity and Inclusion Efforts: CARFAC’s initiatives to support diversity and inclusion within the arts community are commendable. Their efforts to provide platforms and resources for artists from marginalized groups help ensure a more inclusive and representative art world.
Responsive and Supportive: CARFAC’s responsiveness to the changing needs of artists, especially in times of crisis, demonstrates its dedication to the community. Its swift adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual programming and emergency funding information, showcased its ability to support artists through challenging times.
While there are always areas for growth and improvement, the overall support and representation provided by CARFAC make me feel confident and valued as an artist. Their ongoing commitment to advocacy, professional development, and community-building significantly contributes to my satisfaction with their work.
I am grateful for all that you do. There is always room for more work supporting artists but you have made a difference, so thank you for that.
More assistance with contemporary visual art representation
Some of my emails were answered after a long period during a switch in tech. I’m happy that they were finally answered, although by that time I had most of the info I needed.
I haven’t spent a lot of time navigating the online resources that are already there. I did get involved with Imprimo (through CARFAC) and originally spent considerable time getting a profile set up with them because it seemed a great way to connect with other artists and maintain a working CV. It ended up being one more thing to keep up with. Unfortunately, they have been unable to sustain their presence as a result.
Because I am so busy in my own world I am not sure.
Not really — 1%
I never use CARFAC to negotiate for me because all the galleries I have worked with have a clear knowledge of the fee schedules as do I and having another layer of bureaucracy is not really helpful when I can do it myself. It’s a matter of knowing what I can ask for and that is clearly stated in the fee schedule. That is something CARFAC does well. It’s a sad state of affairs however that all galleries budget for the minimum. It’s basically like being stuck with minimum wage for life.
I’m not sure 18%
Too new to CARFAC to know
Having best practices guides is great, but you really need to keep them up to date in order for them to be useful. That gallery guide is almost 10 years old. A lot has changed in 10 years. Also, artists want to sell their work so it would be amazing if CARFAC BC could organize a public show of member work.
I could be wrong, but seems that the emphasis is upon painters, but the arts are much more.
I’ve really yet to explore more about CARFAC. I’ve only recently found this organization and have yet to look into what you do as an organization.
I’m not involved enough so I cannot answer your question above properly.
As I mentioned before, I find it difficult to find time to participate as well as create, promote, exhibit and sell my own art. I am a member of organizations but do not manage to understand the scope of membership benefits (other than discounts at local suppliers / galleries 🙂
Haven’t been a member long enough to really know, haven’t really had any interaction with resources offered yet
I have been a member of CARFAC since the 1980’s. For many years I was a member of CARFAC Sask which had a vital organization. That included more contact – I learned so much from other artists and as a rural artist looked forward to my monthly paper newsletter with opportunities/workshop listings etc etc – also articles featuring members -studio practices /visits etc. I was also a mentor 3 times in the mentorship program and benefited from a visit from a guest special mentor – met others at twice a year conferences and made connections. We also had a resource centre- very useful. I was on the board here for a short while, and promote Carfac when I can but I don’t see any progress in the BC organization or networking outside of larger centres. There are also few paying”gigs” and most public galleries are fairly exclusive in what artists are shown which cuts a lot of people out. At the same time I would like to see more professionalism and standards for artists just entering the profession to aim for- which maybe CARFAC can help with through workshops etc.
I don’t know if I am out & about in the art world enough to have perspective really on how CARFAC represents me. But- I had an institution break a sculpture of mine and I greatly appreciated the advice I was able to get through CARFAC legal contacts about how I could proceed if Small Claims court ended up being needed (I had a struggle to get payment from the company for the destruction). So I am grateful this resource exists.
My needs as an artist are broad. I am not sure whether representing them all falls into CARFAC’s mandate. Besides legal issues facing artists and fair compensation, how far does CARFAC’s mandate go?
Online interactions and “zoom” type meetings will never replace the full sensory experience of communication for me… I have such a negative, even repulsive reaction when anyone suggests doing online connection… for me I get very little
Other
Neutral or less than neutral, a lot more can be done to promote CARFAC BC
Neutral – I’d love to see CARFAC be more involved in grant writing support – and then can work with BC Arts for when the Grant Due Dates are coming up. Carfac to have more of a presence in rural places. A Zoom or something to connect with artists.
Neutral – Not hearing enough about CARFAC’s lobbying for Copyright laws. Maybe we’re just now aware of what CARFAC is doing. CARBC could look more closely at what they are publicizing, and not promote things that charge artists to participate.
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It has been an absolutely delight to speak with the members of CARFAC BC. Each conversation has been rich, warm, surprising, and nourishing and delightful. In my experience:
This reach out has been warmly received. There is a sense of gratitude from your members to know that we are putting this kind of care and attention in.
There is a desire for more reach outs – and ways to connect.
It is surprising to your members that we only have 225 current active members.
There is a strong sense of value for CARFAC re: artists getting paid
There is a need for further, deeper advocacy for the rights, I would even go so far as to say valuing the ‘role’ artists play and their value to society.