We believe that artists, like professionals in other fields, should be paid for their work and share equitably in profits from their work. As the national voice of Canada’s professional visual artists, CARFAC defends artists’ economic and legal rights and educates the public on fair dealing with artists. In doing so, CARFAC promotes a socio-economic climate conducive to the production of visual arts. CARFAC engages actively in advocacy, lobbying, research and public education on behalf of artists in Canada.
CARFAC Maritimes (CM) is the regional affiliate for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. We have been incorporated as a registered non-profit organization since 1975. From 1975 to 2004, we operated under the name CARFAC Nova Scotia.
VISION:
The work of all professional visual, new media and fine craft artists is recognized as integral to the lives of all people and is vital for healthy communities.
MISSION:
Protect and provide leadership in advancing the economic and legal rights of all professional visual artists through education and advocacy for fair treatment for artists within the public sphere and among art stakeholders.
GOVERNANCE:
CARFAC Maritimes is led by an elected Board of Directors who develop policies and priorities and guide the organization, in collaboration with staff. The Board plays a critical role in the governance and strategic planning, using CARFAC’s mandate and accumulated research and community input to direct the vision for the future.
The Board of Directors is composed of five to fifteen volunteers and is supported by standing committees, including Sustainability, Governance, Strategic Planning, and Recruitment. We are committed to respecting official languages, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all Board activities. Each year, we recruit new Board members primarily through our monthly newsletter and social media channels. We also review applications from members who have indicated an interest in volunteering for CM. Additionally, through our Free Memberships program, we invite graduating visual arts students to join the Board as non voting youth advisors.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of:
- Chair
- Past Chair
- Vice Chair
- Treasurer
- Record Keeper
- Directors
One of the executive board members also sits, as the CM representative, on the CARFAC National Board.
- Board Terms:
The Board terms are two years to a maximum of two consecutive terms. Under special circumstances, the Board may decide to extend some of the terms. The terms of the Treasurer and Record keeper are indeterminate. - Meetings
The Board of Directors meets normally 4 times per year using the zoom platform, with an additional “Face to Face” (planning) meeting, resources permitting. Generally, the Annual General Meeting takes place in May of June. - Staff
At present, CM benefits from a paid 20-hour/month executive director who works closely with the Board and other volunteers to reach established goals.
FUNDING :
CARFAC Maritimes is funded solely by the membership fees and donations with yearly donations from a donor. Last year, we were successful at obtaining a $4K grant from Access Copyright Foundation for webinars.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES AND BENEFITS :
- Since the outbreak of the pandemic, CM has found its niche in online learning through webinars. When resources permit, we offer 7 or 8 webinars annually, based on a virtual consultation with our members. The topics vary from traditional grant and exhibit applications to social media strategizing, and include demystifying the CARFAC/RAAV fee schedule, among others. Generally, the webinars attract up to 60 registrations. We take great pride in always offering members free access to our webinars. Instead of paying the $25 fee, non-members are encouraged to join CM for $50/year.
- A monthly newsletter shares important information as well as promotes webinars and other important events.
- Free admission is offered to CM members at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Beaverbrook Art Museum and the National Gallery.
- Discounts for insurance at Assurart.
- Discounts for art supplies.
- Access to free advisory notes on a large variety of topics including taxes for the artist, public and commercial galleries, donations.
- Access to Best Practices for visual artists.
PROVIDED BY CARFAC NATIONAL:
- The CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule provides guidelines on what visual and media artists should be paid for their copyright and other professional services. The Fee Schedule is maintained and updated regularly by CARFAC National through negotiation and usage, with annual increases reflecting changes in the cost of living.
- INTERNATIONAL ARTIST’S CARDS are available to CARFAC Maritimes members for $10.00 through the CARFAC National office. The International Artist’s Card is meant to give free or reduced-price admission to galleries which belong to the International Association of Art.
- CERTIFICATE OF CANADIAN ORIGIN – In response to problems encountered by artists whose work was being returned from exhibition or consignment abroad, a Certificate of Canadian Origin was developed by CARFAC National with the approval of Revenue Canada and Customs and Excise. It is a document that identifies original works of art that are temporarily being exported abroad. This will allow works of art to pass through Customs without any GST implications.
MAY 15 MAI: APPLICATION DEADLINE. DATE LIMITE POUR LES CANDIDATURES