ACAVA Talks: Getting paid for your published work

Learn how to turn the reuse of your creative work into income with DACS Payback.

This online session offers a practical introduction to DACS Payback – a service that distributes money to artists, creators and their beneficiaries annually for certain reuses of their work. This could be in printed or digital publications, on TV, through photocopying, scanning, recording and by re-transmission.

Aimed at artists, illustrators, photographers, and other image-makers, the talk will explain who is eligible, how to register, and what you can claim for.

It will also cover common mistakes, deadlines, and how royalties are calculated. You will gain a clear understanding of how Payback works, and leave with the tools to make a successful claim in time for the next deadline.

In 2024, 109,000 artists, creators, beneficiaries and their representatives claimed a share of over £5.3 million in Payback royalties.

The session will conclude with a Q&A, where you’ll have the chance to ask Chris your questions directly. Scroll to read our FAQs.

Zoom link will be sent to all attendees the day before the talk

About DACS

Founded in 1984, DACS is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to championing, protecting, and managing the rights of artists and maximising their royalties. It envisions and works towards a society which recognises, respects, and values all artists.

DACS is a collective management organisation (CMO) collecting and distributing royalties to artists, creators and their beneficiaries. In 2024, DACS distributed £16.1 million in royalties to over 100,000 members through its services. DACS also campaigns and advocates for the rights of artists and creators, working with partners across the sector and with government to make sure artists receive fair pay for their work.

DACS members include Sonia Boyce, Sir Frank Bowling, Dame Tracey Emin, Sir Peter Blake, Damien Hirst, Yinka Shonibare CBE, the Estate of Francis Bacon, the Andy Warhol Foundation and many more.

About ACAVA Talks

This event is part of ACAVA Talks our professional development events programme for creative practitioners. Whether you’re looking to refresh your practice, take risks, make a change, or simply reconnect with purpose — this programme is for you.

Through knowledge sharing and skills development it aims to support, and foster connections between creative professionals navigating a shifting and complex cultural landscape

We’re proud to be sponsored by Smartist. Showcase your artwork, without all the hard work. Smartist are offering a 30-day free trial and a discounted annual subscription for ACAVA Talks attendees. Claim your offer here: www.smartist.app/acava

Designed by artists, for artists, Smartist makes it effortless to create stunning, realistic mock-ups in seconds. It’s the most downloaded art visualisation app, trusted by over 1 million creatives in 175 countries. With powerful customisation options, artists can fine-tune everything, from interiors and frames to layouts and perspectives. Do you have a collector who wants to see your work in their own home? Upload their room photo, and Smartist will seamlessly and professionally place your artwork inside.