Legislation proposed by the Alberta government would formally recognize artists' contributions to the province, and promote contractual rights and freedom of expression.
Culture Minister Ron Orr said the legislation, known as Bill 75, acknowledges that "art is an important economic driver that creates jobs and helps with our economic, social and emotional recovery.”
The Arts Professions Recognition Act is modelled on similar legislation in Saskatchewan. Other provinces – Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador –also have bills acknowledging the status of artists.
The proposed bill includes a tool kit with sample documents, such as contracts for artists.
Although the bill affirms the right to enter into a contract, it does not require businesses to have contracts with artists. Nor does it penalize organizations that do not sign contracts with artists.
Chris Carson, director of the arts advocacy organization CARFAC Alberta, says artists are skilled and hard-working members of the workforce, and deserve to be paid their worth.
“CARFAC Alberta welcomes provincial legislation that can support fair compensation and greater economic security for Alberta's professional artists,” he said.
Source: Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Edmonton Journal