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Advocating in Parliament

a photograph showing a man hanging black and white photographic prints to dry in a studio.
Pogus Caesar in his studio.
Photo: Chris Waggott

A Voice for Visual Artists in Parliament

DACS advocates for visual artists in the UK Parliament, regularly providing briefings and evidence on a range of issues affecting visual artists and their copyright. We are regularly invited to take part in parliamentary committees, discussions and inquiries.

DACS is one of the secretariat organisations for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Visual Arts, and regularly attends other All Party Parliamentary Groups, to represent the interests of visual artists within wider discussions around copyright.

We are an observer on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Intellectual Property, and an active member of the Alliance for Intellectual Property. We have provided evidence at sessions held by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Artificial Intelligence.

All Party Parliamentary Group for the Visual Arts

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Visual Arts has been established to provide a forum for parliamentarians to foster a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges faced by UK visual artists.

The APPG’s statement of purpose is to:

  • Advance the understanding of how visual artists carry out their practice and develop their careers;
  • Ensure fair pay for visual artists and safeguard their intellectual property rights;
  • Recognise the value artists bring to society and the UK economy, and ensure their artistic contributions are rewarded;
  • Foster an environment in the UK in which visual artists can flourish.

The APPG for the Visual Arts is jointly run by DACS, a-n and CVAN.

Further information, including a list of current APPG officers, can be found via the APPG for Visual Arts website.


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