Status of the Artist

What defines the status of artists is the consideration that society holds them in and the recognition by society of the liberties and rights, including moral, economic and social rights, with particular reference to income and social security, which artists should enjoy. This entails coherent measures upholding freedom of expression and association; promoting education and training in all artistic disciplines, as well as contract, social, tax, intellectual property laws and regulations that are tailored to the atypical and intermittent nature of their work.

FIA has been at the forefront of this global recognition and strongly campaigned with sister organisations in the early 80’s for the adoption of the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist. This document is still very relevant today, despite the years, as few countries have taken comprehensive steps so far to acknowledge the role of creative workers in society other than with statements of principle.

FIA continues to advocate global compliance with the UNESCO Recommendation and call for national systems to recognise the specific nature of the work of artists. In a Manifesto drafted with sister union federation FIM, FIA makes a strong case for artists to enjoy, among other things, equivalent status to other workers with respect to social benefits, freedom of association, strong intellectual property rights protection, career transition mechanisms and measures to facilitate mobility.