Statement from ArtsLink NB on Status of the Artist Legislation

More than two dozen artists, arts and culture workers, and politicians in a group photo on the steps of the NB legislature. — Supporters of the Status of the Artist Act gather on the steps of the New Brunswick Legislature for an historic photo. In the front row (left to right) are Jean-Pierre Caissie, Executive Director of artsnb; Amy Ash, Associate Director of ArtsLink NB; Robert Gauvin, Minister of Public Safety; Senator René Cormier; Premier Susan Holt; Carmen Gibbs, Executive Director of AAAPNB; Jean-Philippe Raîche, President of AAAPNB; Isabelle Thériault, Minister of Tourism Heritage and Culture; Philippe Beaulieu, Past President of AAAPNB; and Tara Francis, Executive Director of Mawi’Art.)

Statement from ArtsLink NB’s Executive Director

ArtsLink NB welcomes the announcement of legislation recognizing the profession of artists, which was presented by Minister of Tourism, Heritage, and Culture, Isabelle Thériault, at the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick on Friday. This is a significant step forward improving the socio-economic conditions of professional artists in our province.

This legislation would establish the requirement for written contracts, adherence to industry-standard fee scales, and the role of accreditation of artist associations.

For many years the arts community has called for action regarding the establishment of concrete legislation and actions to improve the socio-economic status of the artist in New Brunswick. The Report of The Premier’s Task Force on the Status of the Artist (2021) called for the development and adoption of Status of the Artist legislation as a foundational measure to support artists, recognizing their contributions to New Brunswick’s cultural, social, and economic life. Today’s announcement gives us hope that this vision is being realized.

Artists are essential to New Brunswick’s health, resilience, and future. We applaud the government for acknowledging this through concrete action, and we remain committed to working with our partners and colleagues to ensure the implementation of policies that reflect the realities and needs of professional artists.

We are proud to have contributed to this initiative since 2014 and look forward to the next chapter in building a stronger, more sustainable cultural sector in New Brunswick.