Bronac,

We would have to go and dig out the paperwork to give an exact response, which we can't do just now, but from memory, the work was sold as part of an edition and whenever we sell work that way we always specify 'plus artists copy' simply as a way of allowing us to keep exhibiting it.  This is something we do based on when we have had gallery representation - we doubt IP or copyright was specified beyond that arrangement although we would have to check that and it does raise questions about the variability (condition) over time of each version in the edition...

The way of approaching this particular acquisition was done simply in conversation with British Council Collection (BCC) and was ad hoc in that sense.  We suggested the approach and in particular the archive box of prints, but not out of any great sense of expertise, wider strategy or research, but more as a simple practical attempt to give this specific acquisition some longevity.

Perhaps it is worth further discussion in the context you set out Bronac, which itself is a crucial discussion  -we think our example here may not be as formalised as could be the case and rather based on old-artworld models, but BCC have been very open to this discussion and that has contributed to how instructive the transaction has been for us and hopefully them.

In that the UK's corner of the art world is often (with notable exceptions) playing catch up when it comes to the exhibition and acquisition of 'new media' art (we use the term 'new media' as shorthand here and for want of a better term), we have really welcomed the BCC's interest and willingness to discuss things here.

Hope that helps a bit,

best wishes,

Jon & Alison

->  web
http://www.thomson-craighead.net

--> now:
MyWar, Foundation for Art & Creative Technology (FACT), Liverpool
12 March - 30 May, 2010 (& Touring)

--> now:
http://www.animateprojects.org/films/by_date/2010/short_film_about_war

--> coming up:
Several Interruptions, Urban Video Project, Syracuse, New York
April 1st 2010 - April 30th 2010

> To Jon T and Alison: I am wondering if there was a formal arrangement with
> the British Council relating to copyright itself. Do you continue to own the
> authors' rights - were these licensed to the Council?  Or did you also sell
> these as you save indicated they assumed ownership.
> 
> The British Council is currently developing a position through consultation
> with various influencers (hopefuly including some artists) on copyright for
> the digital age (21st century) and they will publish some material on this
> in the next few months. John Howkins who chaired CODE suggested the idea to
> the BC and they are also being supported by NESTA. Events will happen also
> in Shanghai and elsewhere.  If the BC has done something innovative relating
> to digital media/artists works then it could be interesting to cite this.
> Which reminds me to ask - did you bring the suggestion of how it might work
> to them?  How far did legal advisors become involved?
> 
> I hope this isn't too detailed a set of questions and happy to talk offline
> as need be (though guess others may be interested as the BC is only one of a
> number of institutions who could be persuaded to take a similar course if it
> is replicable?)
> 
> with best
> Bronac
> thanks for sharing
> Bronac Ferran
> Senior Research Tutor (p-t)
> Innovation Design Engineering Department
> Royal College of Art
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