Visual artists must benefit from resale of their works

Motion M-445, which proposes the establishment of a resale right on these works, has broad support

OTTAWA — New Democrat Heritage critic, Pierre Nantel, has tabled a motion calling on the federal government to recognize a resale right for visual arts.

“A resale right would allow artists to earn a living from their works and benefit from their increased value over time,” said Nantel. “It’s a common-sense solution that must be studied with all culture stakeholders involved, and put in place as soon as possible.”

A resale right would allow visual artists the right to collect a percentage of the value of their works when they are resold. Many other artists, such as musicians and performers, receive a royalty whenever their works are played, but currently visual artists only benefit financially from the initial sale.

Motion M-445 has broad support, especially from the Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) and the Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels du Québec (RAAV).

“Our goal is to start a national conversation on this project to create, like in 69 other countries, a resale right for artists,” added Nantel.

“An artist’s first sales are often limited. Many artists live below the poverty line,” added Heritage critic Andrew Cash (Davenport). “We must ensure that these artists can benefit when profits are made from the resale of their work.”

Right of resale has become an international norm – with 69 countries having adopted it. The motion also calls for a framework that allows Canadian artists to benefit from the resale of their works internationally.

“It’s only fair--especially when so many live in poverty-- that artists reap some of the benefits when their work is resold at an increased value” concluded Cash.