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 It must not be published, nor shared together with the general record.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.
13 guides
Ministry grants for comic creation: requirements, criteria and how to prepare
40 ayudas de 25.000 euros para crear un cómic inédito: quién puede solicitarlas, qué excluye la convocatoria, cómo se puntúa y qué preparar antes de que se abra el plazo.
Updated on 8 November 2026
- cultural policy
- cultural work
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Preparing an application for a public cultural grant
Reading the rules carefully is the first step. The second is turning them into an application that can be assessed: a project description, timeline, budget and annexes that answer each criterion.
Reviewed on 1 October 2026
- research
- cultural policy
- cultural work
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How to budget for a small exhibition
No single figure suits every exhibition, but almost all of them overlook the same items. A method for budgeting a small show without leaving anything out.
Reviewed on 1 October 2026
- artwork documentation
- cultural policy
- cultural work
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Justifying a cultural grant
How to justify a cultural grant: standard and simplified reporting, eligible expenditure, payments, deadlines and repayment.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural policy
- cultural work
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Cultural association or foundation: which form to choose and how to incorporate
What distinguishes an association from a cultural foundation: endowment, governance, registration, protectorate, tax regime, and annual obligations.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural policy
- cultural work
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How much tax relief applies to donations to a cultural foundation following the patronage reform
Deductions for donating to a cultural foundation from 2024: 80% of the first 250 euros, 40% or 45% of the remainder, certificate and form 182.
Reviewed on 7 November 2026
- cultural policy
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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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What Royal Decree 707/2026 requires of museums and cultural centres
From 2 January 2027, public museums and cultural centres included in Royal Decree 707/2026 must provide easy-to-read formats, text alternatives, and comprehensible signage. What…
Reviewed on 3 November 2026
- accessibility
- regulations
- cultural policy
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Reproducing third-party works in an exhibition
Exhibiting a loaned work does not authorise reproducing it in the catalogue, on the website or on social media. What an exhibition organiser must clear and how to ask for it.
Reviewed on 1 October 2026
- copyright
- artwork documentation
- cultural policy
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Artificial intelligence in exhibitions and institutions
57% of the museums that responded to a global UNESCO and ICOM survey use AI and 55% have no internal policy. What the law requires and what an institution must decide.
Reviewed on 4 October 2026
- copyright
- generative AI
- cultural policy
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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.