If my gallery is based abroad who will decide in case of a dispute?
In the case of two parties located in different countries – say the artist in England and a gallery in the USA – a vital term…
Is there a definite ruling on what constitutes an edition?
There isn’t a legal definition of what makes an edition. Instead, an edition may be limited by contract (which can be verbal) and by making representations. So, for example, if…
Why are Artists Poor?
Borrowing the title of Hans Abbing’s important sociological interrogation of contemporary art practice from 2007, let us consider a case in point. A young unknown artist relocated 30 odd kilometres north of his hometown to a…
Consignment: Trust
The term commonly used to describe the contractual relationship between artists supplying their works to galleries for exhibition and possible sale is ‘consignment’. In business and legal terms, consignment does not mean selling work to a gallery, rather…
Renting Art: Borrowers and Lenders Beware
Borrowing and lending art is generally a good thing. The practice can increase and broaden access by spectators who might not otherwise be able to experience directly the creative act. It can also generate…
Pensions for self-employed people
Kay Linnell and Nick Wilson of Accounts Action Ltd shed some light on the different pension options available. There are many different pension scheme variants, but they fall into two main categories – Defined Benefits and…
Studios, pensions and tax
Buying your own studio is the dream of many artists. Kay Linnell and Nick Wilson from Accounts Action Ltd explains how to do so in the most tax efficient way. The most tax efficient way of…
Working as an artist’s assistant
Many established artists employ assistants. This can be a good way for artists to earn money, develop skills and learn about the art world. Here, painter Michael McManus talks about working as an artist’s assistant.…
First steps for new artists
Audio guides for new artists, including new graduates, on studios, promotion, networks and exhibitions Maintaining a career as an artist can be a complex. It takes a lot more than making good work. If you’re a…
Creative Collaborators: Authors or Assistants?
In this post digital age increasing numbers of artists collaborate to create non traditional works of time based or mixed media, for which a significant global market has developed and is advancing. For art market…
Who Owns Street Art
A Banksy style rat holding a sign asking ‘Why?’ was recently stencilled on the wall outside a London shop from which the Banksy attributed mural Slave Labour had been hacked away a few weeks earlier. This…
How can I get my gallery to disclose the names of my buyers?
This article answers a question that artists regularly ask our legal specialists. So is the Data Protection Act just an excuse and how can you convince your…
Henk Gieskens: Money = Time
I left art school thinking I would find a paid job in a gallery. 5 days a week that covered the rent and bills, and enabled me to buy materials to create art. As well…
Art fairs and tradeshows
What do artists and makers need to know when participating in fairs and trade shows? Tips for art fairs and trade shows
Moral Rights: A Suitable Case for Treatment?
Artists’ moral rights laws have been in force in the UK since 1989. Have they been operating well for the past twenty odd years, or is there room for improvement? This question is…
Self-organised exhibitions
One of the best, and fastest ways of getting an exhibition is organising your own. This article highlights the key things to consider if you decide on a D.I.Y. approach. At the start of your career, you need…
Do I have to pay tax on the award or grant I have been given?
There continues to be no up to date and definitive answer or ruling to the question of whether prizes and awards will be deemed taxable…
Endangered Public Sculptures
Several currently running cases concern the legal status and protection of sculpture in the public environment. In November 2012 the London Borough of Tower Hamlets made a policy decision to sell Henry Moore’s sculpture, Draped Seated Woman,…