The Blueprint addresses fair pay, good working conditions for artists and creative professionals across Europe, and social protection. But what impact does the EU actually have in these areas, and what impact should it have? IGBK has also been involved in the "Action Group on Working Conditions" through IAA Europe.

Key guidelines and principles for the arts and cultural sector
The European Commission has announced that it intends to publish an "EU Artists’ Charter" in mid-2027, setting out key guidelines and principles for the arts and cultural sector in Europe. The "Action Group on Working Conditions", which brings together around 40 members of Culture Action Europe, has now presented a draft of the Charter, setting out and explaining its proposals in a document of almost 60 pages.

The "Blueprint" addresses three key areas: "fair pay, fair share, fair system".

Read the accompanying article on the Culture Action Europe website, where you can also download the document.

Developing the blueprint proved challenging, as the EU itself has no competence in many of the areas mentioned. And some cultural organisations and local stakeholders may also be keen to safeguard their autonomy.

Voluntary commitments and shared responsibility at different levels
An EU Artists’ Charter cannot, in itself, create new legal obligations or amend existing legislation. However, it can establish principles and encourage voluntary commitments and a sense of responsibility.

To this end, the document identifies different groups and levels at which action can be taken and responsibilities assumed:
1. National and 2. regional authorities; 3. funders; 4. employers and other organisations that engage artists; 5. professional associations; 6. educational institutions; and 7. artists themselves and other workers in the cultural and creative sectors.

The distinctive position of artists
For IAA Europe and IGBK, it was particularly important to make clear in the preamble to the Charter Blueprint that artists occupy a distinct position and that their work cannot be equated in every respect with that of other employees and creative professionals in the arts and cultural sector.

Artists are the creators of artistic works, and the vast majority work on a self-employed basis, often without adequate social protection. Furthermore, an Artists’ Charter should address more than just economic and social policy issues. Artistic freedom and autonomy must also be taken into account.

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