Southern Currents Artists Fees Policy

Southern Currents is dedicated to empowering artists by compensating them fairly for their work. We firmly believe that artistic labor deserves more than exposure, applause, or industry recognition. By placing artists at the forefront and providing them with financial support, we contribute to a thriving media art ecosystem that benefits us all and that we are collectively responsible for nurturing.

Paying artists is not just about changing opportunities for artists, galleries, funders, and policymakers; it's about transforming the entire landscape of the arts. Removing financial barriers opens doors for many artists and grants publicly-funded galleries and the public access to a diverse range of high-quality art, encompassing the full spectrum of human experiences.

This commitment adds value to the investments made by all supporters of the arts. It promotes diversity, equality of opportunity, and ensures that creative talent thrives, strengthening our reputation for supporting and delivering world-class art.

Together, we can define and adopt practical steps and frameworks for good practice. This collaboration safeguards and reinforces the symbiotic relationship between visual artists, publicly-funded institutions, and the communities and audiences they collectively serve.

Paying fees is a core principle for us. We stand in solidarity with organizations like the Canadian Artists Representation/Le Front Des Artistes Canadiens (CARFAC) and the Independent Media Arts Alliance, which have long advocated for fair compensation through minimum fee schedules for artists. Our commitment goes beyond meeting minimum fees; when our budget allows, we aim to compensate artists well above these suggested rates.

We recognize the need for increased financial support for artists of color, acknowledging the barriers they face in creating and sustaining their work. As artists and cultural workers ourselves, we understand these challenges.

Southern Currents sees itself as a no-strings-attached access point to resources: access to a community screen, collaboration with other artists to foster growth, visibility within a larger queer media art community, and, whenever possible, financial support to enable artists to create, sustain their practice, and care for themselves.

Southern Currents