Cultural Policy 2021–2025 aims to sustain artists and the development of their second careers and commits to presenting a legislative proposal introducing their status. The adoption of this law has also become one of the objectives of the National Recovery Plan. The status has been discussed in the cultural sector for some time, but the concept has not been outlined yet. Examples from abroad can be used as inspiration for the Czech model. We will use the experience of the OMC working group of the EU member states’ experts and the bilateral project of the atre Institute and the Arts Council Norway supported by the EEA and Norwegian funds.
The status of the artist is a set of legislative measures aimed at protecting professionals in culture and arts. These measures may relate to social security, pensions, taxation, labour law, copyright, and remuneration. It is a socio-legislative framework that defines professions in arts, promotes their social prestige, deals with the development of their careers, protects the freedom of expression, and prevents social and other disadvantages on the labour market.
An article written by Jana Navrátilová (IDU) and Eva Žáková (IDU), summarizing the basic facts and overall programme of the international conference, which will first introduce the topic of the artist status at the Czech Ministry of Culture, had been published at the ArtsCzech internet portal.
The Recording of the Conference
Panel Discussion With Speakers
Programme
9:30 – 10:00 Registration
0:00 – 10:10 Welcome message
Basic information
Saša Michailidis, host
10:10 – 10:30 Opening and Introduction to the Situation in the Czech Republic
Pavla Petrová, Director of The Arts and Theatre Institute
Martin Baxa, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
Milan Němeček, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
10:30 – 10:50 The Impact of the Covid 19-Pandemic on the Cultural Sector in Norway
Presentation of analyses regarding the arts economy, the number of employees in the cultural sector, the time spent on artistic activities, and new artistic initiatives during the pandemic.
Anja Nylund Hagen, Senior Adviser, Dept. of Cultural Analysis, Arts Council Norway
10:50 – 11:20 EU Discussion on the Definition and Status of the Artist in Slovakia
The Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group of the EU member states’ experts is working on a report on the status and working conditions of artists and cultural and creative professionals.
Zuzana Došeková, Analyst, Institute of Cultural Policy, Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic
11:20 – 11:30 Break
11:30 – 11:50 The Status of the Artist in Spain
In 2018, the cultural sector in Spain was unified to improve the conditions for artists – the status of the artist was established. Now, a working group is working on the implementation of the measures proposed in the Report of the Status of the Artist in Spain, and is expected to have most of them approved by the end of 2022.
Isabel Vidal, Vice-President of FAETEDA (National Federation of Associations of Theatre and Dance Companies)
11:50 – 12:10 New Legal Statute of Cultural Professionals and its implementation in Portugal
The status measures in Portugal came into force on 1 January 2022 and include a register of cultural professionals, a regime for employment contracts and service provision, and a social protection regime.
Mafalda Sebastiao, Expert, Lisbon City Hall, Municipal Directorate for Culture
12:10 – 12:40 Break
12:40 – 13:00 Fair Remuneration in Austria
The Austrian “fairness process” was launched in autumn 2020. Since then, a variety of measures have been put in place with a particular focus on fair remuneration.
Brigitte Winkler-Komar, Head of the Music and Performing Arts Department, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport
13:00 – 13:10 Basic Income for Artists Pilot Scheme in Ireland
12 May 2022 was the closing date for applications for a unique research-based unconditional income program for 2,000 artists and creative arts professionals who will receive €235 per week for three years.
Sharon Barry, Principal Officer in Culture Ireland
13:10 – 14:00 Panel Discussion With Speakers
We are interested in questions like: What is the society’s acceptance of the status of the artist? What works best for advocacy and setting up communication within the arts and cultural communities, between the departments, and to the public? How is inter-ministerial negotiation conducted? How are the measures taken funded? However, the discussion will be mainly a space for your questions.
