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Visual artists to miss out on Resale Right payments at fall auctions

Visual artists will miss out on profits made on their work at two major auctions this week at Waddingtons and Heffel auction houses. Many of these artworks have increased in value over time and are expected to sell at a significant profit – from which the artists will not receive a dime.

For example, two pieces by Newfoundland artist, Mary Pratt, are going up for auction at Heffel on Thursday including The Florentine which is expected to sell for between $50,000 and $60,000 and Foiled in Gold which is expected to sell for between $50,000 and $70,000.

“I have seen my work escalate in value by quite a big percentage,” said Pratt. “As we get older it gets harder and harder to find the energy to produce enough work to maintain a decent living.”

Other notable artists in the auctions include: Rita Letendre (Toronto), Christopher Pratt (Mount Carmel, NL), Joe Fafard (Lumsden, SK) and Takao Tanabe (Parksville, BC).

Help Bring the Artist’s Resale Right to Canada

CARFAC and RAAV are relaunching our campaign to bring the Artist’s Resale Right to Canada. Already law in at least 93 countries, the Artist’s Resale Right would allow visual artists to receive 5% when their work is resold. The new government has been vocal about their support for the arts and we are hopeful they will see the importance of this initiative.

You can help!

Members of Parliament are highly motivated by what their constituents want. Sending an email to your MP helps to raise awareness on Parliament Hill and show public support. It only takes a minute with our easy web form.

Email Your MP > Meet Your MP > Impact on Artists > Artist’s Resale Right Proposal > Frequently Asked Questions > Recent resales and artist comments > What People Are Saying >

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