Advisory Notes

In response to problems encountered by artists whose work was being returned from exhibition or consignment abroad, a Certificate of Canadian Origin was developed by CARFAC with the approval of Revenue Canada and Customs and Excise.

By Sarah Yates, Garry Conway & Paul Sanderson, reprinted from Information for Artists: A Practical Guide for Visual Artists, CARFAC Ontario © April 1990

This fact sheet summarizes the copyrights that commonly pertain to visual artists. It covers the specific rights and includes some examples for practical applications.

The information in this article includes the amendments to the Canadian Copyright Act that were brought into force on June 8, 1988.

By Sarah Yates, Garry Conway & Paul Sanderson, reprinted from Information for Artists: A Practical Guide for Visual Artists, CARFAC Ontario © April 1990.

This fact sheet summarizes the copyrights that commonly pertain to visual artists. It covers the specific rights and includes some examples for practical applications.

By Jim Graham © September 2002

The lyrics ‘first we’ll take Manhattan then we’ll take Berlin’ with its promise of conquering the exotic gives a romantic spin to exhibiting outside Canada. Romantic notions aside, there are practical advantages to exhibiting abroad: a larger audience, a larger market and a different context that can stimulate new directions. This Advisory Note looks at exhibiting and selling outside Canada.

By Peter Oliphant and Robert White

If your gross income from professional fees, commissions or sales in Canada exceeds $30,000 you must register to collect GST. If it is less, you may register. Grants, subsidies, gifts and salaries you may receive are not included in this total.

Download the document to learn more:
GST & Artists

By Garry Conway for CARFAC Ontario © March 1994
Interest in having artwork in public buildings is on the increase. This positive development helps make artwork more accessible to the general public and acknowledges the importance of the creative process. The summary information provided here is intended to act as a guideline for the private sector, institutions, and government in the selection of art for public places.

Copyright CARFAC National © 1994

It is common practice in not-for-profit organizations to hold fundraising events where artwork is sold to raise funds for the organization. Refer to "Guidelines for Professional Standards in the Organization of Fundraising Events" when planning your next fundraising event. Artists especially should refer to this Advisory Note when planning on participating in a fundraisers, keeping in mind that art making is a profession like any other, yet most Canadian artists find it difficult to make a living wage from their artwork.

By Susanne Hamilton for CARFAC SASK © 2000

Are Your Art Materials Safe?

By Jim Russell of Gauley & Company, for CARFAC SASK © 1994. There are several legal matters that arise during the course of the sale of artworks that can cause the artist consternation and regret unless they are carefully attended to. One is the protection of intellectual property rights so that the artist can enjoy remuneration from any further exploitation of his/her artwork. The other is the continuing legal responsibility imposed by law upon the artist to anyone who happens to purchase the artwork.

By Hamish Buchanan and Sarah Yates for CARFAC Ontario © 1994

Insurance is a highly complicated and individual matter; one company may interpret your situation quite differently from another. Investigate several possible alternatives before you settle on the policy and the company with whom to deal. Be sure to read all of the fine print on any contract you sign -- many policies have exclusions and exceptions which may put your coverage at risk.