BARBERTON INNOVATIVE ARTIST SOCIETY (BIAS)

ARTIST RIGHTS & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) POLICY

Effective Date: __________
Last Reviewed: __________

1. PURPOSE

This policy protects the creative rights of artists and crafters working with Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS) and sets clear rules around ownership, use, and recognition of artworks and creative outputs.

BIAS believes artists must always retain dignity, credit, and fair control over their creations.

2. OWNERSHIP OF ARTWORK

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Artists remain the full owners of their original artworks and designs
• BIAS does not claim ownership of creative works produced through its projects
• Artists may sell, exhibit, or reproduce their work freely

Any exceptions must be clearly documented in signed agreements.

3. USE OF ARTWORK BY BIAS

Artists grant BIAS permission to:

• Photograph or record artworks and creative processes
• Use images for promotion, education, reports, social media, and funding purposes
• Credit the artist clearly wherever possible

This permission does not transfer ownership.

4. COMMERCIAL USE

If BIAS or any partner wishes to:

• Sell reproductions
• License artwork
• Use work for commercial products

This must be discussed with the artist and agreed to in writing, including:

• Payment or royalties
• Duration of use
• Purpose of use

No commercial use happens without consent.

5. CREDIT AND RECOGNITION

BIAS commits to:

• Clearly naming artists wherever their work is displayed or shared
• Respecting cultural authorship and creative identity
• Not altering or misrepresenting work without permission

Proper credit is a right, not a favour.

6. COLLABORATIVE WORK

Where projects involve multiple artists:

• Contributions should be clearly acknowledged
• Shared ownership should be agreed in advance
• Any income or recognition should be fairly distributed

Transparency prevents conflict.

7. TRADITIONAL AND CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS

BIAS respects:

• Indigenous knowledge
• Traditional designs
• Cultural heritage practices

Artists and communities must be consulted before using or sharing culturally sensitive work.

8. PROTECTION AGAINST MISUSE

BIAS will not tolerate:

• Plagiarism
• Unauthorised copying
• Exploitation of artists’ work
• Use of artwork without permission

Where possible, BIAS will support artists in addressing misuse.

9. ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES

Artists working with BIAS must:

• Submit only original work or work they have rights to
• Respect others’ intellectual property
• Credit collaborators appropriately

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any disputes regarding ownership or use of artwork should be:

• Raised promptly with BIAS management
• Addressed fairly and transparently
• Resolved through discussion before legal action where possible

11. POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect legal requirements and best practice in the arts sector.

Approved by:

Barberton Innovative Artist Society (BIAS)