An independent artist is a natural person who independently performs an artistic activity in the form of an occupation and to whom a representative association in culture has determined the status of an individual performing an artistic activity in the field of culture.
In performing his or her activity, an individual who creates works of art or performs works of art in the field of artistic activities, with his personal name, may use the designation „independent artist”.
Association of Fine Artists of Serbia (ULUS) is a representative association in the field of fine arts. All status issues are decided by the Status Committee, appointed by the Steering Committee and composed of at least three competent members.
The access to status of self-employed artist is formally restricted since the status is patronised. The state has been obliged to pay basic social security contributions for the independent artists and representative association is responsible for determining the status of „independent artist” to a person who submits a request to the Status Committee. Artist-applicant who meets determined conditions and criteria, has the right to obtain the status of independent visual artist and entry into the Register of persons performing independent artistic or other activity in the field of culture. Representative association is responsible for taking care of social, labour and legal aspects of the status of independent artists in the Register.
Association of Fine Artists of Serbia delivers the guide (available in Serbian language) that aims to familiarise the members of the Association of Fine Artists of Serbia in the status of an independent artist with the rights and obligations of the status of a person performing an independent artistic activity. The text of the guide relies on the Law of Culture and the Rulebook on closer conditions and criteria for determining the status of persons performing independent artistic activity, provides practical advice and description of procedures related to different stages of the status of a independent artist.