New Brunswick artists could soon receive greater legal protection and fair compensation under proposed legislation that would formally recognize them as professionals.
The Status of the Artist Act, introduced Thursday by the provincial government, would establish legal requirements for written contracts, industry-standard fee scales and artist association accreditation if passed by the legislature.
Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault said the legislation addresses longstanding concerns from the province’s artistic community.
“The New Brunswick arts sector has been advocating for improvement of the status of professional artists since the 1990s,” said Thériault. “Improving conditions for professional artists is essential to the health of our cultural industry.”
Years in the making
The bill follows recommendations from the Premier’s Task Force on the Status of the Artist, established in 2014 to address socio-economic challenges facing artists.
Census data reveals over 70 per cent of New Brunswick’s approximately 2,700 artists earn less than $40,000 annually. The median income for artists in 2020 was $27,400 — 39 per cent lower than the provincial average for all workers.
“Unfortunately, the financial situation of many New Brunswick artists is precarious, as the majority of them are unable to earn a living,” said Thériault.
Implementation timeline
If passed, the government would post regulations for a 28-day public comment period. Fee scale requirements would take effect this fall for artists hired directly by the provincial government.
Arts organizations receiving government funding would have until April 2027 to comply with the new pay standards.
The legislation would make New Brunswick the seventh province with specific protections for artists, joining Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
“The enactment of this legislation will help support the artistic industry and help it grow in the future,” said Thériault. “It shows that government recognizes arts and culture as important economic and social drivers that can enhance the quality of life in New Brunswick.”
The cultural sector employs approximately 9,000 people across the province beyond working artists.
