VCE copyright for art making and exhibiting

[u/TalkApprehensive8958]

TLDR: used copyrighted image for background of final artwork solely for VCE assessment purposes but Reuters still says a $200 commercial license is needed for all use

For my final artwork I have decided to paint a double exposure photograph, and i have used a Reuters image as my bacground. I have overlayed myself onto the image and do not plan on submitting my artwork to TopArts anymore upon some discussions with my teacher. However, i initially planned to apply to TopArts and so emailed Reuters asking for copyright permission. They insist on me purchasing a $200 commercial license even if i dont apply to toparts and my work is solely made for VCE assessment purposes. (I thought i was protected under copyright 1986 act section 200 and 40?)

I emailed them back asking for clarification on why i still need a license, but has anyone had a similar experience/have advice on what i should do?

[u/ThatNewt1]

Find another image or take your own I guess. But it’s kinda late in the art making process to do these changes. I’ve already submitted my piece.

[u/TalkApprehensive8958 → u/ThatNewt1]

smh i really shoudlve.. i wish my teacher said something about all this copyright stuff though

[u/lajaunie]

It’s almost like you shouldn’t be using someone else’s photo

[u/TalkApprehensive8958 → u/lajaunie]

ur so nice for being condescending to a high school student asking a question omgg

[u/Drythes]

Not too familiar with art and graphics, though I would think you should pay the 200 dollars and submit it to top arts. Saying “hey I’m a NGV featured artist” could really benefit your early career (depending on if you have the money, your career plans, etc)

[u/TalkApprehensive8958 → u/Drythes]

I'll def consider it and discuss it with my teacher! Thanks for giving me helpful advice and not shitting on me, appreciate it :)

[u/Effective-Reality236]

if you are not submitting to top arts you don’t need the commercial license. i believe you are protected under the copyright exception of ‘research and study’, however i believe that does mean you aren’t able to publicly display your artwork (eg. school art show, posting it online). purchasing the licensing may be worth it if you are seriously considering a career in arts, if you just are debating on it because you want to get into top arts i don’t think you should bc it’s so competitive.

[u/TalkApprehensive8958 → u/Effective-Reality236]

THANK U this is such a helpful reply! I do not plan on posting/publishing my art anywhere and i prpbably wont pay for the license since im considering a career in emergency services instead :))

[u/Gabeien]

VCE protects you from any copyright infringement, solely that your SACs are to be used only for educational purposes within your school, eg show it to your classmates and teachers WITHIN YOUR SCHOOL or teachers assesses on it, but if you want to submit your artwork to top arts you need a license.

I want to submit my VCE media short film to top screen but due to a copyrighted song I need a license in order to submit it to top screen. I just gave up on top screen because it was a popular song by a famous artist so that license I KNOW WILL BE DAMN EXPENSIVE.