Artist Status Act: Recap of the Information Session
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, an online information session was held regarding significant changes to the Act respecting the professional status of artists, known as Act S-32.1. Co-hosted by Pascale Bureau, socio-economic advisor for artists and cultural workers at the Ministère de la culture et des communications du Québec, and Sophie Préfontaine, experienced lawyer in the cultural sector, this session attracted the participation of 44 members.
The speakers presented the context surrounding the Act S-32.1, specifying that this Act applies to artists and producers providing professional services in various artistic fields.
Before the adoption of this Act, two distinct laws governed the minimum conditions for artists in Quebec since the 1980s. The new Act now encompasses all artists and aims to establish, harmonize, and modernize the rules concerning the professional status of artists and working conditions. It also defines the conditions for recognizing the status of professional artists and artist associations.
The Act brings important additions, such as a collective bargaining mechanism to improve the socio-economic conditions of artists represented by associations, the inclusion of digital arts in the definition of visual arts, as well as the obligation for a recognized artist association to fairly represent its members. Additionally, the Administrative Labor Tribunal, which previously had the mission of recognizing associations, now has new powers, notably to enforce collective agreements and take measures in cases of psychological harassment at work, a process for which artists will now be able to receive accompaniment, among other additions. Finally, the Act grants the Minister of Culture and Communications of Quebec regulatory power to establish minimum conditions for an artistic sector.
The session was enriched by the members’ questions, generating keen interest and raising important concerns to be addressed in information sessions that will be organized by the RQD to continue discussing the subject of working conditions for dance artists.
Resources against psychological harassment at work, available on the RQD website, were made available to participants who attended the session.
Presentation (FR)
Resources
Toolkit – Preventing Harassment and Other Violence