The status of artist

Are you dreaming of a career as a model, actor and/or actress? Then you definitely should learn everything there is to know about that infamous status of artist. After all, it comes with a lot of uncertainties, which can lead to tedious situations.

We are happy to bring you up to date considering the statute, the conditions the artist has to meet with, the benefits and whether (and when) you are eligible for welfare. Here we go!

What is the status of artist?

Well, let’s start off by telling you what isn’t the status of artist. It’s not a fourth social statute. In Belgium, we only have the following three social security statutes:

Employee status: an employee is bound to his or her employer by a contract of employment. There is a relationship of authority.
Civil servant status: people who work for the public sector and are permanently appointed (or an equivalent status).
Self-employed person status: a person who does not work as an employee or civil servant, but still has a professional activity.

There it is: the status of artist is nowhere to be seen — and therefore cannot be called a separate social security statute. “But what is it, then?!”, you might think, slightly annoyed.

Well, let’s call this status the ‘little sister’ of the employee status. Unless the artist chooses to become self-employed, he or she automatically belongs under the employee status — whether under more flexible arrangements.

One of those arrangements? Article 1bis RSZ-law: the artist enjoys the same social safety net as the ‘regular’ employee, without the need of a contract of employment and relationship of authority.

What are the conditions the artist has to meet with?

Do you have a contract of employment? Then you should make sure your position is clearly specified and that your RSZ declaration contains code 046.

Isn’t there an option for a contract of employment or isn’t there a relationship of (artistic) authority? Then you should meet following conditions:

You provide artistic achievements. This has to be proved via an artist visum.
The achievements are provided by order of a natural or a legal person.
The achievements are met with a salary, not with a compensation payment.

In other words: when there isn’t an assignment, the status of artist isn’t for you. Nevertheless, if this is the case, the artist can file for a declaration of independence at the Commission of artist.

What are the advantages of the status of artist?

The largest advantage is, without any doubt, the peace of mind you’ll get. Because the biggest uncertainties and frustrations that live in the artistic community? That’s right: irregular earnings. And it’s exactly here where the status of artist steps in.

The status of artist promises (stable) unemployment fees, without the ‘need’ of being full-time unemployed. In other words… you can still take on projects. And on the days you’re not earning anything, you’ll receive allowance to make up for it. This way, the status of artist wants to reduce financial insecurities — so the artist can fully focus on his or her true passion.

When do you qualify for welfare?

If you meet following conditions.

You have to be unemployed at the moment of application.
In the past 21 months, you have worked 312 days (if you’re older than 36, if not, the parameters change). Interesting: as an artist, this can also be based on the bruto income. Every €61,30 you earned bruto, counts as a day worked.

Next to this, in contrast to the ‘normal’ employee status, your welfare does not decrease after one year, at least if you meet following conditions.

You’re able to prove you’ve worked for at least 156 days within the last 18 months. 52 of those days are allowed to be non-artistic.
In every following year, you have to complete (a minimum of) three artistic projects, and these projects have to match three working days.
Don’t forget to read the step-by-step plan: http://www.artistsunited.be/nl/content/statuut-stappenplan‑p

Want to know more about the status of artist?

Understandable! Don’t hesitate to contact Servaas Le Compte, administrator and advisor at Artists United vzw. You can reach him via info@artistsunited.be or 0495 508 408.

Good luck!