Michael Connarty MP supports artists in campaign to be rewarded for creativity

Michael Connarty MP has joined the campaign congratulating the Government on the introduction of the Artistâ€™s Resale Right two years ago and calling for its full implementation, without delay, to include heirs and beneficiaries in 2010.

Two years ago a Resale Right was introduced giving artists a small share of the sale price when original works of art are resold by galleries, auction houses or dealers, ensuring artists benefit in the long-term from their creativity. The Right is due to be extended to the estates of deceased artists – something that would ensure the upkeep and preservation of archives and bring artists’ rights in line with others in the creative industries (such as musicians and writers.

The art market is fighting against the Directive, despite the first two years of royalties being paid to living artists being an unalloyed success, and plenty of artists’ estates needing a flow of resale royalties to preserve their artistic heritage. The extension of the Right is due to come in, in January 2010. The Government has until the end of this year to make the case for a delay until 2012.

EDM 1963 states, “that under the new right the Design and Artists Copyright Society has so far collected more than £5.2 million on behalf of more than 1,500 artists, who have now received royalties with an average payment of £501 per work of art; ... this has strengthened the flourishing British art market by supporting struggling artists; ... the Right should be extended to the estates of deceased artists as soon as possible without extending the current derogation beyond 2010.”

Michael said “I have supported this campaign from the beginning - as a member and now the Chair of the European Scrutiny Committee. It is essential that policy makers recognize the value of creativity and reward those who inspire us artistically in the most fair and generous manner. Artists are the lifeblood of our creative industries and deserve a fair reward”.

Key facts:

The Resale Right for living artists has been a great success: collect distributing £5.2 million in royalties since February 2006 to over 1,500 artists

Royalties have reached a wide range of people, including the artists it was intended to benefit: young artists and those on low incomes

The UK art market has flourished since the Resale Right was introduced: in 2007 the UK art market was valued at £8.5 billion, more than double its 2004 value of £4.2 billion

87% of art market professionals say the Resale Right has not damaged their business

The implementation of UK Regulations and the management of the Resale Right in the UK has been held up as a model of excellence by other countries around the world