Status and social rights in culture
The position of artists is affected by a number of factors, ranging from the general economic situation, demand for services, employment opportunities and changes in the labour market to changes in legislation (social contributions, pension legislation, copyright, taxes and so forth). We are aware that, in culture, a high-quality, dynamic and responsive labour market is a prerequisite for outstanding production in all areas of culture and for the wide accessibility of cultural goods. That is why our primary objective is to improve opportunities for employment and self-employment in all areas of culture.
To improve the position of artists, two working groups have been established consisting of representatives of non-governmental organisations and self-employed persons in culture and representatives of the Ministry of Culture, namely the Working Group for permanent dialogue with non-governmental organisations in culture and the Working group for permanent dialogue with self-employed persons in culture, which are preparing proposals for the new national programme for culture and proposals for amendments to legislation.
Self-employment forms
There are several forms of self-employment in culture:
- sole traders;
- self-employed persons in culture, who become self-employed when registered in the register of self-employed persons kept by the Ministry of Culture; and
- freelance journalists, who are also registered in a special register kept by the Ministry of Culture.
Self-employed persons in culture (registered in the register of self-employed persons at the Ministry of Culture) are artists in the area of culture who independently engage in a specialised profession in culture, have appropriate education and, through their work, demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications for performing such activity. If the work of a self-employed person in culture constitutes an exceptional cultural contribution, such a person may apply for the right to have their contributions paid from the national budget (i.e. contributions for pension and disability insurance, compulsory health insurance, parental protection insurance, and unemployment insurance).
Journalists who are unable or do not wish to obtain regular employment and work with various media through different forms of contract may apply for the status of freelance journalist. Freelance journalists are obliged to pay monthly contributions for pension and disability insurance, compulsory health insurance, parental protection insurance, and unemployment insurance.
Elderly artists
Particular attention is devoted to elderly artists in the area of culture who have significantly contributed to Slovenian culture but, due to precarious work and low fees, often face difficult social circumstances after their retirement. In recognition of their lifetime work and achievements, and to encourage them to continue to actively participate in various forms of creative and cultural activities, they may be granted national recognition allowance. This year, the amount of national recognition allowance equals the difference between EUR 771.62 and the amount of the applicant’s pension paid.
NGOs in culture
We are aware that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in culture form the foundation of the diversity of the cultural landscape and are a vehicle for new production models in society. Non-governmental organisations operating in the field of culture may apply for the status of a non-governmental organisation operating in the public interest, which may give them an advantage when responding to calls for proposals.
To strengthen the activities of NGOs, we need to create a stimulating environment for their operation and development and strengthen mechanisms for the sector’s self-regulation and participation. Special attention should be devoted to employment in NGOs, including the training of staff and the strengthening of integration and cooperation between NGOs and the public and private sectors, as this may contribute to the creation of new jobs and a higher employment rate. To that end, we strive to increase the knowledge, skills, competences and mobility of persons who are employed or self-employed in the field of culture and encourage their participation in programmes of NGOs in all sectors.