CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule

CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule

About

The CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule is similar to a minimum wage for artists. It sets minimum recommended rates for the use of artwork and for certain services that visual artists provide. Although these fees are recommendations, many organizations use them as a standard. This includes arts councils, galleries and the provincial government. They use the schedule as a base for fees, artist authenticity certification and grants.

We recommend that all artists use the schedule as a starting point when requesting fees in contracts or other arrangements. It is updated every year. The listed fees are minimums, so you can always ask for more. As an artist, you should be paid any time your work is shown, even if it is also for sale.

Contact us at CARFAC BC if you have questions about the fee schedule or how it applies to your situation. If we cannot answer your question, we will consult with representatives from CARFAC National. We encourage every artist to join our organization so that we can 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 every year through negotiation and use, and they reflect increases in the cost of living. All fees are considered minimum payments for the use of the copyrights or the professional services of visual and media artists.

Payment for the Exhibition Right became part of federal copyright law in 1988. This fee is required for the public exhibition of work created after June 7, 1988, in a public space where the gallery receives public funds. The exhibition fee applies only when the artwork is not being actively presented for sale or hire.

When artworks created after June 7, 1988, that belong to a gallery’s permanent collection are exhibited, a copyright exhibition fee must be paid. Copyright fees and royalties are subject to GST. The GST is not included in the listed fees.