Artists are entitled to compensation for the use of their works in exhibition publications

Copyright compensation for visual artists has recently been the subject of debate following an article in Helsingin Sanomat (January 28, 2026) about negotiations between Kuvasto ry and museums concerning copyright compensation for exhibition publications. The chair of Kuvasto’s board, photographic artist Sade Kahra, responded to the article and elaborated on the topic in Kuvasto’s statement (HS, February 1, 2026).

The position of the Artists’ Association of Finland is clear: the artist is entitled to compensation for the use of their works. Copyright compensation is remuneration for work already done, such as the use of an existing work in a sales product or, for example, in a digital supplementary program. During the term of copyright protection, the artist or their estate has the exclusive right to decide on the copying, public display and other uses of the work. Copyright protects the artist’s rights, interests and income.

The Copyright Act is clear on the matter. In the case of a printed book for distribution and sale, i.e., an exhibition publication, the artist is entitled to compensation for the use of images of their work. Images of artworks are a central part of an exhibition publication, and visual artists deserve compensation for the use of these images just as much as the writers, graphic designers and printing houses of the publications do.

Kuvasto negotiates rights for the artists it represents also for exhibition publications. In the case of artists who not represented by Kuvasto, the Artists’ Association of Finland recommends that artists conclude agreements with museums and other operators only when their copyright is respected and appropriate compensation is paid for the use of their works.

Read more about visual artists’ copyright in the guide of the Artists’ Association of Finland (link). 

For questions related to copyright, we ask you to contact Kuvasto.

If needed, you may also contact the Finnish Artists’ Association’s legal advisory service. Read more here: https://www.artists.fi/en/artists/services-and-benefits