With the recent boom being enjoyed by public art in Australia, the issue of moral rights legislation has become more pressing. It was in recognition of the power differential between most artists and the users of their work that Australia became a signatory to an international agreement, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works designed to redress the imbalance. Some of the clauses and conditions of this legislation are briefly discussed.
While the eyes of many artists glaze over at the mention of copyright, the explosion in use of visuals in communication means that artists creating those images need to be well-informed and well-represented in copyright issues. Mark Ferguson spoke with VISCOPYs new Chairman, Adelaide photographer Mark Fitz-Gerald, about the role of VISCOPY and the developing awareness amongst visual arts and craftspeople of the importance of copyright royalties.
