Support

This page has been created as a growing knowledge hub in support of the local creative sector. In the first place it serves creatives and artists. Besides making art, it is important to also keep educating yoursel. With more awareness and knowledge on the “business side” of art, artists can feel more united and can grow together.  

Secondly, this page also aims to inform those interested in art or working with artists and even the broader public. When both sides are better informed more mutual understanding can be created and a positive effect on the state and growth of the creative sector can be a consequence.

It began with a simple but important question: What does it mean to treat creatives fairly? What does that all entail? What do the creatives find important or what is fair in their eyes. Through ongoing research, conversations, and shared experiences, we aim to gather practical information, resources, and insights that support artists and creatives in establishing, protecting, and growing their professional practice.

Building a sustainable career in the arts involves much more than creating work. Actually, a whole lot more! Most creatives have to be centipedes and have several hats on. Artists and creative professionals are often faced with questions about copyright, contracts, fair pay, licensing, funding, professional practice, and navigating the cultural sector—especially locally, but if they don’t know better, they might encounter same issues when wanting to go international.

While continuing to dive into this matter, we will start out by compiling 2 lists, that might already come in handy to do you own research. One about copyright advocacy organizations and the other about fair pay & fair practice federations.  Some of these are extensive information platforms and others are  useful organizations that provide active help, some also in the Caribbean or in the ABCSSS (former Dutch Antilles).

These lists are not complete yet, we are actively researching and adding to it along the way.

Copright and Intellectual property

In the basis it is about being in control of your creations and how it is being used. It is a topic that still stirs a lot of confusion on the island, because many are under the impression that when you buy art of pay a creative to make art, that they are to owner of the creative work. This is not the case. The creator always remain the owner of their creative work.

Protecting your creative work starts with understanding your rights. Whether you’re looking to register a copyright, collect royalties, learn about licensing, or simply understand how your work is protected, there are organizations that can help. Below is an overview of institutions and resources that provide information, support, and services for artists and creative professionals, both on the ABC-SSS islands and internationally.