Improving Working Conditions for Artists in Europe: Key Insights from Belgian Presidency Seminar

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The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union hosted a seminar on May 16, 2024, focusing on enhancing the working conditions for artists across Europe. The event, held in Brussels, brought together policymakers, industry professionals, and artists to discuss pressing challenges faced by those in the creative sectors.

The seminar was a part of Belgium’s ongoing efforts to prioritize cultural and creative industries during its presidency. It reported on recent legislative and institutional initiatives, addressing widespread issues such as job insecurity, inadequate social protections, and the need for fair remuneration for artists. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the seminar sought to foster a collaborative approach to identifying and promoting fair practices in the cultural and creative sectors.

Key topics discussed included the precarious nature of artistic work, the impact of digital transformation on the arts, and the importance of cross-border mobility for artists within the European Union. In a series of panel discussions, experts and participants also explored how existing European frameworks could be adapted to better support artists’ rights and improve their working conditions.

The seminar underscored the need for a coordinated European response to ensure that artists can work under fair and sustainable conditions, despite the significant fragmentation of labour and copyright legislations across the EU. It also highlighted the importance of recognizing the cultural sector’s contribution to economic growth and social cohesion in Europe.

To go further: 

Event programme https://vo-event.swoogo.com/fwb/programme

Replay of the event https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6ze1sSUAy-NgiwCJcV_1xL9i12nb2n6f