Art Foundation of the State of Saxony-Anhalt

The Saxony-Anhalt Art Foundation unconditionally supports the envisaged exhibition fee for independent artists.

(Manon Bursian, Director of the Art Foundation of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Halle (Saale))

Exhibition remuneration has already been part of the Foundation’s program for many years: for example, the possibility of exhibition remuneration is included in project funding; furthermore, remuneration for artists participating in competitions is being sought or has already been implemented.

Since its establishment in 2004, the Art Foundation has organized numerous exhibitions, projects, initiatives and events. From this experience it can be said: Art is work! Producing them, regardless of the genre, requires research work, creative services, material, space and time. The presentation of the works to the public, no matter where, also means expense: transportation costs, insurance, time, possibly material for the presentation. Added to this is the marketing effort, in which artists are often, but by no means always, supported by the exhibiting institutions.

The current procedure can be described as extremely unfair. Institutions – from law firms to major cultural institutions – enhance their reputation by presenting art. Their producers have not yet been able to charge for their work; with a bit of luck, they might be able to sell a work. However, artists are dependent on the public to make their works known and appreciated. They are certainly grateful if they are given the opportunity to do so. However, it is inappropriate to exploit this necessity.

Halle (Saale), May 2022

Thank you!

Thanks to Manon Bursian, Director of the Art Foundation of Saxony-Anhalt, for the statement and the detailed interview! Further information: www.kunststiftung-sachsen-anhalt.de/stiftung/mitarbeiter, address: Art Foundation of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Neuwerk 11, 06108 Halle (Saale).

Thanks to Matthias Behne (lautwieleise.de) for the photos and the design! Thanks to Matthias Behne and André Kestel for designing and conducting the interviews!