People active in culture can apply for artist status with state support

Prague - The government amendment, under which people active in culture can apply for artist status with financial state support, comes into effect today. The change is expected to primarily help artists who work outside of employment relationships. According to the explanatory report, supporting artists will cost the state approximately 126 million crowns per year. It is expected to involve up to 1,400 people. The funding will be for creative or educational purposes. The state would also cover the costs for a special grant program announced, for example, during a state of emergency.

The establishment of artist status has been discussed since the coronavirus crisis. Government measures to limit the spread of the virus significantly impacted artistic productions. An individual can apply for registration if they have been engaged in artistic activity for at least two years out of the past three years.

"The fundamental principle of the proposal is the fact that the state should somehow express interest in artists who do not achieve sufficient financial income through their activity," stated the explanatory report on the proposal.

To receive the grant, the applicant must not be a student and at the time of application must not be in an employment relationship exceeding half of the weekly working hours. At the same time, their income from artistic activities for the last two years must constitute at least half of their total income and must not exceed the average wage.

According to the proposal, submitting an application will be subject to an administrative fee of one thousand crowns. The amendment introduces a penalty of up to 20,000 crowns if the artist provides false or misleading information in the application and discusses the revocation of artist status.

According to the drafters of the amendment, the status is intended to primarily assist individuals who engage in artistic activities on what is known as a freelance basis. The justification notes that those practicing the profession face numerous disadvantages and obstacles.