Starting June 1, 2010 written contracts are now required between artists and anyone wanting to engage, contract, hire or enlist their services. This is prescribed in The Arts Professions Act (Loi sur les professions artistiques). The Act also provides a list of basic elements that must be in a contract. Written contracts are an effective business practice as they help solidify the relationship by providing a clear understanding of the business transaction. By protecting both parties, written contracts enhance the business relations by making business more straightforward and profitable.

Beyond enforcing written contracts the Act also: recognizes the artist as a professional; provides a definition of a “professional artist”; promotes the valuable contributions artists, art and creativity make to society and the economy; recognizes the importance of fair compensation to professional artists; requires government to adhere to the act; and repeals The Status of the Artist Act.