Towards a New Guideline for Visual Arts Commissions

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:

1. Conceptual sketch
2. Sketch design or multiple sketch commission
3. Final design
4. 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.