Guiding Principles
The following information provides guidelines for what artists working in public art projects should be paid for the various stages of a public art project. A public art project is any art project whose form, function, and meaning are intended for the general public, and/or a location that is publicly accessible.
Each public art project is unique, and there may be many scenarios that emerge which we do not yet have payment rates for. We will continue to develop new rates in consultation with artists and commissioners on an ongoing basis, and rates may be periodically adjusted to account for inflation.
Additionally, it is good practice to seek prior input and approval from an Indigenous Nation or community when installing / placing art on their lands. With respect to public art, ensure the planning process begins with the involvement, guidance, direction, and advice of the local First Nation, Inuit, and/or Métis Nation(s) or communities. Seek advice from the local Indigenous Nation(s) or community regarding local Protocols, including the preferred manner of acknowledgement and the relevant groups to be acknowledged. Protocols regarding offering gifts or honorariums may vary from one Nation or community to another. New guidelines regarding compensation for Indigenous communities may soon become available in the next development phase of this Fee Schedule. For further information, visit: https://www.indigenousprotocols.art/.
This Public Art Fee Schedule does not take into account the size of a commissioning organization when recommending fees. The minimum recommended fees are determined by the project budget, duration, and scope of work.
What does the Public Art Fee Schedule apply to?
It may apply to any public art project including: temporary projects presented for up to five years, permanent projects installed for 5 years or more, and public art projects presented as part of a festival, as well as the display of pre-existing works in the public realm.
It applies to works on both public and private lands where the intended audience is the public at large and where the CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule may not otherwise apply.
All rates shown in the Fee Schedule are in Canadian dollars. Some artists are registered to collect HST, GST, PST, etc. If so, they are required to charge this in addition to the rates that follow.
The Public Art Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule includes rates for the following:
3. Artist Fees for Commissioning of New Works