The ADAGP is the biggest royalty collection and distribution society in the world and there are about 50 sister companies to manage the rights of international artists. In the United-States, the sister company is the ARS. The ADAGP was created in 1953 by artists and it is still managed by artists until today. This organisation gives artists the right to be properly represented for the sale of their art and any copy that maybe made through digital reprography and photography. It also manages the royalties for the families of dead artist who continue to perceive their rights.
When an editor wants to use an image for a publication, when a image appears on TV, on internet, during live events, exhibits or any public place, the ADAGP collects a royalty to pay its artists. A percentage of the royalties is collected by the ADAGP to represent artists and protect their juridical rights. The ADAGP has a power of attorney to represent artists, even after their death.
The ADAGP also follows the rights during the transfer of ownership such sales and auctions. It is called the resale right. This aspect of the ADAGP is particularly empowering artists because young artist who sell low cost artwork at the beginning of their career can still receive a revenue from the sale of their art if it increases value with maturity. In France, there is no copyright law. The juridical system to protect artists is called the “author’s right” on the economy of his art and on its patrimony, what means that patrimony never ends, and authors will always be authors and cannot be removed from authorship. The economical aspect grants authors the benefit from their art each time someone is making money from it. The main idea consist in preserving the economical power of artists all along the life of their art and this to preserve their ability to perform their art.
Each year, the ADAGP pays royalties to its authors and part of them come from a common share on publications and magazines. Libraries pay for photocopies and free access of publications to the public. Public entities pay a share of the royalties for access to cultural art and funds such “1% for art” help the most fragile artists to receive some incentive royalties for their art.
I am a member of the ADAGP since January 2011 and I joined the ADAGP because one of my book was made 25,000 copies worldwide. I joined after the publication what made and if I had joined before, I would have rights that the international organization declined.
I would recommend any artist to seek some membership in similar organizations because art is a big business where artists are often “too kind”, especially with the press. Having some kind of representation does not do everything, but it is a first step in author’s right that keep track of records where perseverance always come as a reward.
Please don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter, share this post, print my business cards, share them and leave me a message. It is always good to have some news from my followers.