ADAGP warns of rising violations of artists' moral rights in France

On March 9, 2021, ADAGP (Société des auteurs pour les arts graphiques et plastiques) published a communiqué denouncing the increasing frequency and normalization of infringements on artists' moral rights in France. The organization cites three main categories of violations: destruction of artworks in real estate projects without preservation efforts or artist notification; hasty dismantling of installations by cultural institutions under public pressure; and unauthorized modifications by art buyers who mistake material ownership for creative license. ADAGP emphasizes that French copyright law is among the world's strongest, treating artworks as more than consumer goods. The statement references the recent arbitrary removal of Claude Lévêque's works by public institutions as a catalyst. ADAGP calls on art lovers and cultural disseminators to protect the integrity of artworks against political instrumentalization, media cycles, and commercial interests.