Resale Royalty scheme

During 2008-09, Viscopy continued to campaign in support of the right of artists (and their beneficiaries) to receive a royalty each time their work is resold through an auction house or commercial gallery. 

History was made when the Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists Bill 2008 was finally passed on 26 November 2009. This new right, which probably represents the biggest new development for visual creators since modern copyright legislation, means that artists can benefit from an income stream in much the same way writers, composers and other artists already earn royalties when their works become popular or increase in value over the years.

In announcing the new legislation, Arts Minister Peter Garrett said: 

“The passage of this legislation through the Australian Parliament is an important development for the Australian art market and a significant result for visual artists, recognising the value and esteem in which they’re held by the wider Australian and international community.”

Viscopy wholeheartedly supports the Government’s plan to appoint a single organisation to manage the collection and payment of resale royalties through a competitive tender process to ensure that the best possible services are provided for artists and the commercial art trade in Australia. It is hoped that the scheme will be up and running by mid 2010.