UK continues to lead the world in Artist’s Resale Right collections
The latest CISAC Global Collections Report shows the UK leading global Artist’s Resale Right collections and renewed growth in the global visual arts.
The latest CISAC Global Collections Report has just been released, offering a detailed look at how royalties are being collected and distributed to creators around the world. The report tracks global collections data across music, audiovisual, literary, dramatic, and visual arts repertoires - illustrating how collective management continues to deliver value for artists in an evolving creative economy.
What is CISAC?
CISAC, the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers – represents more than 200 authors’ societies across over 110 countries. Together, these societies manage the rights of over five million creators worldwide. Through advocacy, research and data-sharing, CISAC’s annual report provides a vital snapshot of how royalties flow through collective management systems to support artists and their work.
Earlier this year, DACS CEO Christian Zimmermann was elected to the CISAC Board to represent the interests of visual artists and their estates. His appointment strengthens DACS’ role in championing artists’ rights on the global stage and ensuring that the voices of UK artists are heard in international discussions about fair pay, copyright and collective management.
Success for the Artist's Resale Right in the UK
This year’s report highlights an impressive result for the UK: €14 million was collected in Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) royalties, making the UK the top collecting country globally for another year. Out of a worldwide total of €49 million in ARR income, the UK’s contribution represents nearly a third of the total.
This achievement reflects the strength of the UK’s ARR system and the ongoing role of DACS and other CMOs in administering and distributing these royalties to artists and estates. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Artist’s Resale Right next year, the report is a timely reminder of how vital this right is in supporting artists and estates, ensuring they share in the ongoing value of their work in the secondary art market.
A return to growth in the global visual arts sector
After a period of decline last year, the visual arts sector has returned to growth. The CISAC Global Collections Report shows that collections for visual arts reached €219 million, an increase of +0.9% compared to the previous year.
While modest, this growth is an encouraging sign of stability following the disruptions of recent years. It reflects the resilience of collective licensing frameworks that ensure visual artists continue to be remunerated fairly for the use of their works.
What does this report mean for artists?
These figures underline the importance of collective rights management and licensing in maintaining a fair and sustainable creative ecosystem. Collective licensing ensures that creators of all kinds - whether visual artists, composers, or writers, are recognised and rewarded for the continued use of their work.
For artists, these royalties aren’t just numbers on a balance sheet. They help sustain artistic practice, support new creation, and strengthen the cultural economy.
As the UK continues to lead the world in ARR collections, DACS remains committed to championing artists’ rights and ensuring that every creator benefits from the value their work brings to society.
