Resale Rights for Australian Artists

I originally posted this on my website  "news" page, but thought that it might fit here.
This is Great News for Australian Artists and their beneficiaries!

The resale royalty scheme entitles artists and their beneficiaries to a 5% royalty on certain resales of their works.

The Australian government has appointed Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) to manage the scheme. CAL is a non-profit company that has been managing rights for authors, artists, publishers and others for more than 20 years.

About the artists resale royalty scheme

Key features of the scheme:

-it applies to resales of existing as well as new works;

-it applies to a range of original artworks, included -limited edition prints authorised by the artist;

-it does not apply to a private sale from one individual to another;

-a royalty is not payable on the first change of hands after 9 June, but all resales must be reported;

-a royalty is not payable on resales for under $1,000;

-the scheme will be extended to artworks from countries that have similar schemes.

To participate in the resale royalty scheme and be able to receive royalties, artists (or their beneficiaries) also need to register. Registration for artists or beneficiaries is important, because it ensures CAL can contact you to advise when a resale of your work entitles you to receive a royalty.



You can register here

Making Time and Space for Art

”Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” -- Picasso.

Since 2005, I have been a full-time professional artist, whilst living with the love of my life and raising four children.

One of the questions that I frequently hear is: "How do you make time for Art?"

When I first decided that I wasn't happy in my (accidently) chosen career of hospitality and that I was going to pursue my artistic desires as more than merely a hobby, I did not have a studio and my partner was working outside the home. My two youngest children were still quit small, so I had to cope with many distractions and interruptions while I worked. I have (to some degree) learnt to multitask while maintaining focus on my artwork and business. I have also learnt to prioritize.

How can you find more time for art?

Here's my advice:

Lower Your Standards

No, not for your artwork... but there are a lot of other things in life that I was spending far too much time on.

Cooking, cleaning and childcare are necessities as a mother, but they do take up ALL of your time.

By lowering my standards and expectations, I have found hours more each day todevote to my art and my business.

It isn't that I don't do housework or look after my family, but I have learnt to be more effective at it and do what is necessary and needed. Not what others expect that I should do (including myself)

I have become accoustomed to living in a somewhat messy house, I spend one day a month making BULK amounts of spagetti sauce, stews and the like to freeze for microwaveable lunches and dinners.

I have also trained my older children to do their own washing (it took a few weeks of no clean socks or underwear, but they eventually gave in and learned how to use the washing machine). I have even taught my partner how to reheat my homemade frozen dinners. Remember that ironed underwear and polished floors are soon forgotten, but a fine work of art could last almost for eternity.

Establish a Workspace

It doesn't really matter where it is.

I now have a lovely studio room at the back of my shop-front gallery, with a big window for natural light and an open fireplace for cold winter days, but I started off with a small corner of my bedroom and then my dining table.

In late 2005 I graduated to a corner of the shed, then a small garden shed of my own with a workbench and old cupboards for storage. It doesn't matter where your space is, the key is to establish one. All you need is a spot where you can leave your tools and equiptment, no matter how small.

A french easel packed with supplies, a backpack with drawing gear. The key is to keep it handy, so you can set up and pack up with ease, no matter where you choose to work.

Follow a Schedule.

Set aside time for your art each day.

Let everyone know that you are working! If you can't find the inspiration or bring yourself to draw or paint, use the time to photograph artwork, prepare your slides, contact galleries, read art books or order supplies. Begin with just an hour a day. Once you get started you will find more time, believe me.

Learn to Say NO!

This can be a hard one, especially for mothers. Sometimes people assume that because you're an artist that you don't really work, which means that you are available for socializing and volunteer service. It's REALLY IMPORTANT to limit social phone calls, emails, Facebook and visits during "work" hours.

I have learned to say "NO!" to a lot of community organisations and events that just do not fit in with my schedule or are not relivant to my skills. I still co-ordinate the local community art show and write publicity  articles for the local tourism association, but otherwise I decline the invitation to become "involved" in every charity event or social group I am asked to join. I am simply to busy with work and family.

Choose those few things that you are really passionate about, or can complete when it suits your schedule and politely say no to everything else. It's incredibly hard at first, but the more you say, "sorry I'd love to, but I'm working", the sooner others will respect that you are actually "working" .

Seek Advice and Training

Formal or informal, any artistic and business eductaion is beneficial to your art career. Seek out local arts organisations, business guidence centres, or even search the internet. Talk to other artists or research artists in your area that you admire and see if they teach workshops. Spending weeks or months drawing or painting will not guarentee success, only skill and understanding can achieve that. It also shows you how to work swiftly and economically. This in the end results in better art and use of your time.

Obstacles to creating art are different for every individual, but the fact remains that every one of us only has 24 hours in a day. By prioritizing and organising your days, you will make time for your art. If you truly dream of becoming a "real" artist, now is the time to begin!