Artists approve first agreement with National Gallery of Canada

Deal includes improved wages, working conditions

The Canadian Artists’ Representation / Le Front des Artistes Canadiens (CARFAC) and the Regroupement des Artistes en Arts Visuels du Québec (RAAV) ratified the country’s first scale agreement for visual artists at the National Gallery of Canada.

In place for three years, the agreement includes a 1.5 per cent annual increase as well as increases in fees paid for temporary exhibitions ($8,250 for a solo exhibition and $16,500 to represent Canada at the Venice Biennale).

The deal sets out mandatory minimum fees and working conditions offered to artists by the gallery. While artists remain free to negotiate further on their own behalves, they can never be offered less.

Additionally, artists will be compensated for the professional services they offer the gallery, such as the preparation and installation of an exhibition as well as providing lectures and public presentations.

CARFAC and RAAV said the agreement — voted for by members in record numbers — offers major gains for the advancement of artists.

“The results of this vote indicate artists’ confidence in CARFAC and RAAV as bargaining representatives, as well as the certainty that we have achieved a fair and reasonable agreement with the National Gallery of Canada,” said RAAV president Manon Pelletier.

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