Momentum is building around the world in support of Artists’ Resale Right, making it once again crucial to highlight why it truly matters.
For this reason, CISAC, in collaboration with EVA and GESAC, have come together to produce a new brochure aimed at demonstrating how ARR improves artists’ livelihoods and contributes positively to the art market worldwide.
From the history of this right to its implementation around the world and key data illustrating its impact, the brochure also offers valuable insights from art professional themself on how this right can contribute to greater fairness and transparency across the creative sector.
Because it is not only about its economic benefits; it is also about strengthening the entire visual arts ecosystem. This crucial royalty, first enacted in France in 1920 and internationally recognized in 1948 through the Berne Convention, was ahead of its time.
Today, it serves as a crucial safeguard in an AI-driven world, particularly as the global market for generative AI in visual arts is estimated to reach €14 billion by 2028. Data from 2020 to 2024 presented in the brochure reveal that this right represents only 19% to 22% of all rights collected by CMOs, while guaranteeing a continued source of income for artists.
In this way, a work of art may be created by its author and then change hands through multiple sales and resales, but the artist’s creative legacy remains.
Moreover, this right ensures traceability and transparency, helping authors better understand the value of their work in the marketplace while fostering a fair, open, and reliable art market for both artists and buyers.
The art market itself benefits from this modest right. In the UK and France, ARR accounted for only 1.75% and 1.48% respectively in auction sales in 2024, without affecting their status as two of the world’s most successful art markets.
But what about the rest of the world?
Progress has been made in more than 100 countries around the world, as illustrated in the brochure, but the path to effective implementation remains steep.
However, visual artists and artist rights organizations alike remain committed to promoting the effective implementation of this right worldwide, so that authors are not left behind and remain connected to their works, no matter the journey they may take.
Here are a few words from the visual artists and organizations who contributed to this brochure.
Kazuhiko Fukuoji, CISAC Vice President and Japanese painter:
“Expanding the Resale Right globally is a matter of justice. Artists everywhere should be able to share in the success of their creations, no matter where they are sold.”
Marie-Anne Ferry-Fall, Director General of ADAGP and Rapporteur of CIAGP:
“The Resale Right is not just about money; it is about fairness, transparency, and recognition for artists throughout their careers.”
Hervé Di Rosa, President of ADAGP, French Painter:
“Art is universal. Artists inspire people across all five continents, and the rights that protect them, including the resale right, must be recognised in every country around the world.”
Would you like to discover more about our position on this matter? Interested in exploring additional data and insights about this crucial right?
Read our brochure here.
