The guides are practical texts for anyone who works with art: how to document an artwork, what to review before signing with a gallery, when an artwork ceases to be protected. They differ from the articles in the Public Notebook in their function. The Notebook analyses and interprets; the guides explain how to do something and which rules, data or documents each step relies on. That is why they are updated when what underpins them changes, and each one shows the date it was last checked.
Verified means that on that date I checked every fact, rule and link against its primary source. Reviewed means that I re-read and updated the text without repeating that full check. When only Updated appears, the date corresponds to the last edit.
The guides offer general information. They do not constitute individualised legal, tax or professional advice: for a specific case, consult a qualified professional.
Total: 145
Featured resource
Master artwork record
An open-format template for keeping a consistent inventory of your work from the studio onwards. The ODS workbook brings together four sheets: master record, restricted data, gallery deposit and key. It includes validations, filters, frozen headers and an example row.
The gallery deposit sheet fills in the title automatically from the inventory number. It is a record of the works delivered, not a contract. Terms of custody, insurance, sale, commission and return must be agreed separately.
The restricted data sheet contains personal, financial and location information. It must not be published, nor shared together with the general record.
The ODS is the main resource. The CSV files let you import the master record, the restricted data and the gallery deposit record separately.
The guides are currently searched and indexed in Spanish.
43 guides
When a work enters the public domain in Spain
How to work out when a work enters the public domain in Spain, what happens with photographs, anonymous and unpublished works, and what still limits their use.
Verified on 27 September 2026
- art collecting
- art market
- cultural work
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Resale right: what an artist receives when their work is resold
When an artist is paid for the resale of their work in Spain, how it is calculated in bands, who pays and why this right cannot be waived.
Verified on 27 September 2026
- art collecting
- art market
- cultural work
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How to prepare an exhibition, from the project to dismantling
The schedule for a small exhibition, essential documentation, installation, insurance and promotion, and what not to overlook during dismantling.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural work
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How to write an artist statement
How to write a short and long version of an artist statement, including structure, annotated examples and the errors that cause readers to stop.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural work
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Paid open calls and vanity galleries: how to identify them
How to distinguish a vanity gallery from a commercial one, when an entry fee is reasonable, and what to review before paying to exhibit.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- art market
- cultural work
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Determining exhibition fees: artist remuneration and best practice
Fees, production, and copyright assignment in an exhibition: what best practices in Spain state and how to request terms in writing.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- copyright
- art market
- cultural work
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Getting paid by an administration: minor contracts, FACe and payment deadlines
Defining a minor contract, identifying when an artistic commission constitutes a private contract, determining whether a self-employed professional must utilise FACe, and establishing the procedure when a local council fails to remit payment.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural policy
- cultural work
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Verifactu for self-employed artists: what changes in invoicing
What Verifactu requires of an artist who invoices with software, what dates apply following the announcement of a postponement to 2028, and when electronic invoicing arrives.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- digital infrastructure
- cultural work
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Artistic awards and grants under Personal Income Tax: when they are exempt
Which artistic awards are exempt from Personal Income Tax, who requests the exemption, why an acquisition award is almost never exempt, and how much is withheld.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural work
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Registering as an artist with the tax authorities: group 861 and form 036
Which IAE classification corresponds to most visual artists, how to submit form 036, and when Social Security becomes involved.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural work
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Corrections and contributions
If you find an error, outdated information or a better source, please write to me via the contact page. I correct confirmed errors and update the date of the affected guide.