“When artists die they leave behind an archaeology, which is of value both as evidence of a particular life and also of a people, a time and a place. In order for this archaeology neither to remain buried nor be looted by treasure hunters, safe keeping places and guardians must be predetermined by its creators. And so we come to the practicality of how artists should manage their estates..."
excerpt from Where there is a Will…
As an artist, you need to be aware of the range of options available to you in dealing with your work during your lifetime, and how to make a will so that you can be confident that your life's work is dealt with according to your wishes after your death.
On the 14 March 2008 The Australian published an article about the Arts Law Centre's will making project which assisted some Indigenous artists to make a will. To read the story go here .
NAVA Resources:
Where There’s a Will... Estate Planning for Artists. Published by the Arts Law Centre of Australia and NAVA, 2004. 55 pages.
ISBN 0 9587757 7 X.
Download the document (1.08 MB)
Other Resources:
Another useful publication is Rest Assured, 4th edition, published by Redfern Legal Centre Publishing, 2005.
For more information on making a bequest in your will see Bequests published by the Australia Council, 1993.
Make a Donation to NAVA
You can make a donation to NAVA in your will. All donations received are used to continue NAVA's work on behalf of the Australian visual arts and craft.
Make a Donation to the Australian Visual Artists Benevolent Fund
You can make a donation to the AVABF. Donations are used to assist artists in dire need. See the website section on grants and prizes for more information about the Fund.
Where There's A Will has a sample artists' will which includes suggested wording for making bequests.
