Culture – FairPACCT

Towards a New Guideline for Visual Arts Commissions

admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:43 +0000

The Visual Arts sector table has established a working group to prepare the update of the National General Terms and Conditions for Art Commissions (LAVK). The LAVK will be transformed into a Guideline for Visual Arts Commissions. The sector table is also taking over ownership from Cultuur+Ondernemen. The sector table develops and maintains practical tools for visual artists and visual arts institutions within the framework of fair practice, with the aim of jointly achieving fair compensation, or fair pay. The Visual Arts Commissions Guideline working group consists of representatives of clients and contractors/artists, together with an independent chair and secretary. Guiding Principles for the New Guideline for Visual Arts Commissions In 2015, the LAVK was established in consultation with ten organizations in the visual arts sector. The starting point was a balanced and reasonable distribution of rights and obligations between the client and the contractor. For the new guideline, the following principles apply:
Fair practice will mainly be reflected in the proposed new general terms and conditions. Formulating fair pay is inextricably linked to the fairPACCT Chain Tables. In this case too, fair pay rates for visual arts commissions will be formulated. If necessary, external independent researchers or (legal) advisors will be engaged for both principles. Outline for the new Guideline for Visual Arts Commissions The new guideline concerns commissions for visual art or artworks that are not linked to temporary exhibitions within institutions or museums: those are covered by the Guideline for Artist Fees.
It therefore specifically concerns other types of visual arts commissions, including those for public space. The Visual Arts sector table has already determined that the new Guideline consists of four phases that can be applied in the process of visual arts commissions:

Conceptual sketch
Sketch design or multiple sketch commission
Final design
Execution of the artwork

Attention will be paid to consultation and participation, particularly in view of the provisions regarding this in the new Environment Act. Maintenance and management are also relevant points of focus. This also applies to the artist’s copyright.

Furthermore, it concerns standard provisions in the relationship between client and contractor.

Current background information As of April 2026, the current National General Terms and Conditions for Art Commissions (LAVK) can also be consulted on fairpacct.nl for reference. The aim of the Visual Arts Chain Table is to present a new Guideline for Visual Arts Commissions in 2026, including an updated model of the 2015 general terms and conditions. This will be preceded by a public consultation on the draft version.
Until then, the current terms and conditions can continue to be used. The same applies to other models, such as those of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the Central Government Real Estate Agency.
Furthermore, when applying for a grant, it is necessary to take into account the applicable conditions, such as those of the Mondriaan Fund in the Art Commission scheme.

For questions regarding use and updates, please contact the Visual Arts Sector Table via fairpacct@platformacct.nl or Platform BKNL at info@bknl.nl. Cultuur+Ondernemen will also provide referrals to these contacts.

Professional profiles for art and design programs launched

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:17:09 +0000

The updated professional and educational profiles for visual arts and design were officially launched at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Zwolle. This represents a significant milestone for both arts education and the professional field. The previous edition was published in 2013 and was in urgent need of an update.

The new profiles were developed by the OBK in collaboration with an expert working group and with intensive input from professionals, teachers, and students from across the country. Through workshops and broad consultation, a solid foundation has been established that reflects the diversity of contemporary art and design practice. The Visual Arts chain table also contributed to this process.

Download the professional profiles here and view more information here.

Fair Pay Practice Instruments for Film Festivals 2026 Ready for National Application

admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:25:58 +0000

Published: 12/18/25 | photo: Shutterstock

The Film Festivals Chain Table of fairPACCT, with support from Berenschot, has expanded the Job Classification Manual for Film Festivals (1) to include reference positions for film festival management. The Standard Basic Regulation for Secondary Employment Conditions for Film Festivals (2) has also been updated. Earlier, fairPACCT published the indexed fair pay salary scales and guidelines for freelance starting rates (3) that will apply as of 2026.

Following a public consultation in the autumn of 2025, the updated Job Classification Manual and the Standard Basic Regulation were established by the Film Festivals Chain Table on December 4, 2025.

Fair pay practice instruments Film Festivals 2026

As of January 1, 2026, the updated fair pay practice instruments for film festivals will be in effect. These instruments support film festivals in applying fair pay and fair practice and provide a lower limit for remuneration and employment conditions.

(1) Job Classification Manual for Film Festivals – version 2.0 – December 2025
The Job Classification Manual contains the official job structure for film festivals, with reference positions and corresponding job evaluations linked to the fair pay salary scales for film festivals.

(2) Standard Basic Regulation for Secondary Employment Conditions for Film Festivals – version 2.0 – December 2025
The Standard Basic Regulation describes the lower limit for secondary employment conditions for workers at film festivals in the Netherlands.

(3) Fair pay salary scales and guideline for freelance starting rates Film Festivals – December 2025

The tables contain the indexed salary scales for workers that align with the Job Classification Manual for Film Festivals (1) and are based on the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Theatre and Dance (reference date January 1, 2026). The guideline for freelance starting rates derived from this is also included. For support, an indicative overview has been added with various titles for reference positions as used by different film festivals.

Film Festivals Chain Table

Since January 2024, the Film Festivals chain table has been working within the fairPACCT program of Platform ACCT on the development of practice instruments as part of the further elaboration of the Fair Practice Code, under the leadership of independent chair Doreen Boonekamp. In doing so, the chain table was able to utilize preliminary studies already carried out at the initiative of several larger film festivals with the desire to achieve appropriate employment conditions and remuneration and to strengthen and sustain the labor market for workers at film festivals.

Participants in the film festivals chain table include representatives of employers, employees, freelancers, and advocacy groups involved with the following organizations: Cinekid, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Netherlands Film Festival, Kaboom Animation Festival, International Film Festival Gorinchem, Movies that Matter, Noordelijk Film Festival, and the Kunstenbond.

More information

FairPACCT Film Festivals chain table

Fair Pop Pilot; recommendations and follow-up from the Pop Musicians Chain Table

admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:03:44 +0000

Published: 06/03/25 | Photo: Shutterstock

In March 2025, the research report ‘Fair Pop Pilot – towards fair pay for live performances’ was published. It was conducted by researchers from the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication on behalf of the Pop Musicians Chain Table as part of Platform ACCT’s fairPACCT program. The results provide valuable insights into the current state of the Dutch live pop sector and emphasize the previously identified need for a functioning system regarding appropriate compensation for Dutch pop musicians.

The report has since been discussed and evaluated by the Chain Table. Despite the valuable steps taken, the main obstacle to the actual implementation of fair pay in the sector remains financial coverage, for which no structural solution has yet been found. In a general sense, the Chain Table considers the Fair Pop Pilot an important step toward a more sustainable, robust funding structure, particularly for pop artists and venues. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to work collectively toward a stronger and future-proof live pop sector. The following recommendations from the study are being adopted with the aim of bringing fair pay closer to reality.

Calculation tool, rates, and application route

The online calculation tool, developed by Bureau Ipsis on behalf of the Chain Table and fairPACCT, has proven practical for determining the five career stages of pop musicians. The classification of career stages was also positively received. The criteria for these stages will be further examined by the Calculation Tool working group. For instance, live performances will likely be given more weight, and streaming numbers will take more account of genre-specific norms. Additionally, the recommendation to investigate how data input can be verified and how criteria for grants can be checked through random sampling is being adopted.

The recommended rates, particularly those for headliners, have generally been well received. The recommendation to further investigate fees for support acts is being adopted by the Chain Table.

Based on the report, the Chain Table is moving toward the idea that the application route for fair pay funds is most efficient and financially advantageous when handled by the pop artists themselves. This approach reduces the risk of conflicts of interest, decreases the number of steps in the process, and minimizes errors in information transfer. Moreover, this can ensure that more resources reach the pop artists directly. The decision regarding the application route and the exact implementation are subjects of further discussion within the Chain Table, in light of the research report.

Seeking structural coverage

The support from various funds, the constructive collaboration at the Chain Table, and the positive outcomes of the Fair Pop Pilot highlight the progress the Chain Table has already made in the pursuit of fair practice. Nevertheless, finding structural financial coverage for the entire live pop sector remains a significant challenge.

The Chain Table considers it important that the report ‘FPP – towards fair pay for live performances’ be used in conjunction with the research report ‘The gap between effort and income of pop musicians’. In January 2023, Berenschot concluded from this study that the necessary additional financial resources could not be raised within the live pop sector at that time. Since Berenschot’s observation, financial pressure on pop venues has increased significantly. It is therefore economically irresponsible to enter into structural financial obligations without certainty regarding the necessary resources. This would not demonstrate good governance and would jeopardize the continuity of the live pop infrastructure, which naturally affects the entire pop sector, including pop artists.

The situation for both pop venues and pop artists underscores the importance of further exploring funding possibilities, both within and outside government channels. Through joint efforts, the live pop sector continues to seek additional resources, as recommended by the report.

Further exploration

The Pop Chain Table will further explore these recommendations and investigate how fair pay can be introduced in a responsible and structural manner within the live pop sector. Furthermore, it thanks the Performing Arts Fund NL, Fonds 21, the Cultuurfonds, and the VSBfonds for their generous contribution to this specific project and for the support the sector receives in general in its pursuit of fair compensation.

Fifth research report: Figures and trends in the visual arts

admin — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:05:11 +0000

The implementation of the new Artist Fees Guideline, which was intended to take effect as of January 1, 2025, has unfortunately been accompanied by some lack of clarity. This concerns the indexation and the level of certain amounts related to the number of artists involved in exhibitions. This has since been clarified on the website: https://www.kunstenaarshonorarium.bknl.nl/. However, there are further issues at play.

Fair Pop Pilot Research Report: insights into fair pay for pop musicians

admin — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:45:39 +0000

The results of the Fair Pop Pilot, which represent a significant step toward achieving fair pay in the pop sector, will be presented during a panel at ESNS on Friday, January 17, 2025, featuring fairPACCT program manager Noud van de Rhee, among others.

Tables with fair pay freelance rates and salaries updated

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:27:48 +0000

At the end of December 2024, the fairPACCT Newsflash 'Current tables with fair pay freelance rates and salaries' was published. This concerned 10 of the 12 Chain Tables. We are pleased to announce that an update is now available, which includes the fair pay tables for all Chain Tables.

Current status of the implementation of the Guideline for Artists’ Fees

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:54:46 +0000

Published: March 7, 2025 Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The introduction of the new Guideline for Artists’ Fees, which was intended to take effect as of January 1, 2025, has unfortunately been accompanied by uncertainties. Dit betreft de indexering en de hoogte van enkele bedragen gerelateerd aan het aantal kunstenaars dat bij tentoonstellingen betrokken is. Dit is inmiddels verhelderd op de site: kunstenaarshonorarium.bknl.nl/. Maar er speelt meer.

Unforeseen financial consequences

The guideline includes fees for showing and creating works for temporary exhibitions without a sales objective. Starting this year, separate rates apply for practical and substantive/supervisory activities. There is also the introduction of a turnover factor based on four distinct size classes of organizations, the effects of which can be significant. All of this could lead to unforeseen financial consequences for many institutions and artists. Therefore, the guideline cannot be properly implemented in all cases at this time, which we deeply regret.

Further independent research with a second opinion

The Visual Arts Chain Table of Platform ACCT/fairPACCT program, which took over supervision from Netwerk BKNL as of 2024, wishes to handle the guideline and annual indexation with due care. We have therefore requested an independent second opinion. This research is being conducted by Social Finance Matters. Naturally, the chain table and the professional field are closely involved in this process. The research is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. Following the second opinion, clarity regarding the guideline to be followed and the indexation must be established before September 1, in view of the new budgets.

Bridging measure for funding by the Mondriaan Fund

As a temporary bridging measure, the Mondriaan Fund has decided to offer two options for grant applicants pending the second opinion. Both the old and the new guidelines have been declared applicable. More information on this can be found on the website of the Mondriaan Fund.

Position of other institutions

We understand from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) that their primary focus is on fair pay for employees or self-employed professionals working side-by-side at subsidized organizations. Given its direct involvement with the guideline, the Mondriaan Fund has already informed the ministry of current developments. Platform ACCT will do the same, as well as inform the IPO and the VNG. Institutions that do not receive government funding may act independently according to their own judgment.

More information

For the sake of completeness, the fee tables for the new and the old guidelines have been posted here on the fairPACCT website.

Sender: Platform ACCT/fairPACCT Visual Arts Chain Table

Independent Chair
Marianne Versteegh

Participants
Professional Association of Visual Artists (BBK)
Professional Organization of Artists (BOK)
Association Platform Visual Arts (Platform BK)
Kunstenbond
Museum Association
De Zaak Nu
Netherlands Gallery Association (NGA)
Netherlands Association of Art Fairs (NVKB)
Consultation of Visual Arts Academies (OBK)

Observers
Mondriaan Fund
Kunsten ‘92

New practical tools for professional photography

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:40:32 +0000

The Photography Chain Table, in collaboration with experts from its own circle, has commissioned two new fair pay practical tools for professional photography in the cultural sector. These concern publications on 'Copyright' and 'Pricing'. These practical tools offer photographers and clients a practical guideline for establishing a 'fair' hourly rate.

Freelance advisory rate established for self-employed professionals in digital culture

admin — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:02:38 +0000

Published: March 7, 2025 Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Commissioned by the Digital Culture chain table, consultancy firm HHP&O Advies has established a ‘fair’ freelance hourly rate for experienced self-employed makers working in the digital culture sector. In the research report ‘Profile Description and Job Classification Advice for Independent Makers in Digital Culture‘, the job profile of an experienced digital culture artist and maker is classified according to the UNL/VNSU job classification system (UFO). This classification takes into account work experience, duties, focus areas, education level, knowledge level, and skills. The classification was subsequently converted into an hourly rate including a freelance markup percentage. For self-employed professionals in digital culture who possess a job profile as described in the research report, the hourly rate can be regarded as a freelance advisory rate. For those whose job profile does not fully correspond with the profile described in the report—for example, due to more or less work experience—the hourly rate serves as a reference.

The profile description of an experienced independent maker

What constitutes a ‘fair’ freelance hourly rate for an experienced independent maker working in the digital culture sector? With this question, the Digital Culture chain table approached consultancy firm HHP&O Advies, which specializes in job evaluation issues. To answer this question, the chain table drafted a profile description of a digital culture artist and maker with a higher professional education (HBO) level of thinking and at least eight years of work experience: what tasks are performed and what knowledge and skills are required? This specific definition was necessary to enable a more precise classification. Furthermore, a large proportion of digital culture artists and makers possess such a profile, as evidenced by the survey report ‘Digital Culture: A vast terrain without strict boundaries‘ (summary on page 3), published by the chain table in October 2024. HHP&O Advies further developed the profile description based on interviews with six chain table participants.

Duties, focus areas, and minimum education and experience requirements

The research report ‘Profile Description and Job Classification Advice for Independent Makers in Digital Culture‘ first provides insight into the profile of an experienced digital culture artist and maker. Their activities are outlined and divided into the categories of (preliminary) research, design and development, construction and maintenance, projects, presentation and education, networking, and administration. Attention is also given to focus areas within the artistic practice: impact, research, methods and techniques, digital design, and projects. Based on the profile description and focus areas, HPP&O Advies has defined minimum education and experience requirements and necessary skills for an experienced ‘Independent Maker in Digital Culture’.

UFO profile Audiovisual Technician 1 – scale 11

The detailed profile description, focus areas, and required knowledge and skills have provided a clear indication of how an experienced Independent Maker in Digital Culture could be classified within the salary scales of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU), according to the UFO system. Given the importance of IT activities in the role of Independent Maker in Digital Culture, it is advised to classify this position as a combination of the UFO profiles Audiovisual Technician (direction) 1 – scale 11, and ICT Developer 3 – scale 10. In this context, the UFO profile Audiovisual Technician 1 – scale 11 is decisive for the classification of the position as a whole.

Freelance advisory rate set at 65 euros

The UFO profile Audiovisual Technician 1 – scale 11 is associated with a gross monthly salary of €6,148. This translates to an hourly rate of €37.26. However, experience shows that digital culture makers and artists often incur structural additional costs for setting up and maintaining their independent professional practice, making a freelance markup percentage both appropriate and necessary. The Digital Culture chain table applies the freelance markup percentage used by the Film/AV chain table, which is set at 74.45%. Including this markup, the freelance hourly rate amounts to €65.00.

Gain more insight into the calculation of the markup percentage here (summary on page 39).

For self-employed professionals in digital culture who possess a job profile as described in the research report, the hourly rate can be considered a freelance advisory rate. For those whose job profile does not fully correspond with the profile described in the research report—for example, due to more or less work experience—the hourly rate serves as a reference.