DACS pays 23,000 visual artists and artist estates almost £5 million in Payback royalties

A record 23,000 visual artists and artist estates claimed almost £5 million in Payback royalties from DACS in 2014. Payments are currently being rolled out, with most artists expected to receive their royalties just in time for Christmas.

Once again, DACS is seeing more artists and estates benefit from Payback royalties than ever before. The royalties are an important income source for artists, and with individual payments ranging from £25 to £5,046, Payback supports vital expenses including studio rent, artist materials and equipment.

Photographer Robert James Maclese said on Twitter: “Thank you @DACSforArtists for the donation to my new camera fund #ChristmasComesEveryYear”

Whiteism tweeted: “Our #payback14 money came today from @DACSforArtists, nearly enough to pay our studio rent for three months!”

Fine artist Richard Stone tweeted: “Received my royalties from @DACSforArtists today, nice surprise, but more importantly, representing empowering recognition for artists.”

Daniel Rudd, Artists’ Services Manager at DACS, said: 

“The staggering increase in claims this year demonstrates the enormous reach of Payback, and the demand for royalties when so many visual artists and their estates are seeing their incomes cut due to financial austerity and reductions in public funding.

 We are delighted that, with the introduction of Payback membership this year, we can formally consult with Payback claimants on issues concerning their rights, and importantly, safeguard their existing and future royalties.”

Payback is an annual scheme managed by DACS. It is open to visual artists and estates for all types of published artwork, from fine art and photography to design and illustration.