The Society of Artists Agents

Governance

Constitution & Aims

The founding aims of the Society and the rules by which its membership governs itself - agreed by every member agency.

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01

Aims

The Society of Artists' Agents was founded in 1992 to:

  1. enable agencies to better and more fully discuss the wide range of creative-sector matters, to support each other and collaborate to promote best policies and practices regarding artist representation and commissioning clients;
  2. promote high standards of ethics and professionalism, and to standardise terms and conditions;
  3. represent the commercial and artistic interests and needs of artists nationally and internationally to governments, selected industry trade organisations, NGOs, and commissioning clients.

02

Membership

Membership is open to agents who:

  1. have fully marketed and represented, by name, for a period of no less than two years, the work of the Artists for whom they act;
  2. are reimbursed by a commission charged on the illustration work handled by them, agreed with the individual artist. Artists are entitled to the artist percentage amount based on the total gross figure billed by agents to any client with regard to any illustration production or licence-related transaction;
  3. are prepared to agree in writing that they will abide by the Constitution and Ethics of the Society.

03

Applications

  1. Prospective members will be required to submit an email application to the SAA for review.
  2. Any member has the right to object to a prospective member's application; in the case of an objection, this should be presented in writing to the SAA. In the case of a disagreement or dispute over a new member's suitability, members will be balloted.
  3. Membership will only be granted by a process of secret ballot, requiring a unanimous vote by all members.

04

Subscriptions

Upon election, new agencies will pay a subscription annually.

05

Compliance and Termination

All members agree to abide by the Constitution and Aims and Code of Ethics of the Society, and in the event of alleged violation shall be required to appear before a meeting of all Society members (virtual or in person). Society members shall have the right to terminate the membership of any member found to be in breach of the Code of Ethics and/or Constitution if 60% or more of the membership vote for termination. Refusal to appear before such a meeting shall be deemed grounds for termination of membership.

06

Financial Standing

Prospective members may be required by the membership to provide a statement to the SAA from their certified accountant stating that the agency is solvent and the business is fiscally and professionally run in the year up to the audit.

07

Governance

The affairs of the Society shall be governed by its membership using a 60% majority ballot system.

08

Committees

The members of the Society shall, from time to time where desirable, invite or elect members of the Society to serve on Committees or Subcommittees where their experience and expertise may be of value.

09

Meetings

  1. Any representative of a member agency may attend meetings of the Society.
  2. Member agents are required to attend at least 50% of meetings throughout each year.

10

Amendments

Any change to the Constitution or Code of Ethics must be balloted, and shall be passed if the membership votes in favour by a majority of 60% or more.

11

Voting

Each member agency is entitled to only one vote.