DJ Profession Officially Recognized as an Art Form in Spain

This week marked a significant milestone as the Spanish Association of DJs and Producers (AEDYP) and the business federation España de Noche gathered at the headquarters of the General Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE) in Barcelona to unveil a groundbreaking collective agreement for the industry. This agreement elevates the status of DJs to the level of actors, dancers, and singers, recognizing them as artists within the framework of Spanish labor legislation.

This historic announcement ushers in a new era for the union, which has been advocating for this recognition for over four decades. The agreement not only encompasses DJs but also includes the professions of VJs and light jockeys. It addresses crucial aspects such as working hours and the compatibility of DJing with retirement.

One of the key changes in this paradigm shift is the elimination of the distinction between guest DJs and residents. Previously, resident DJs were considered staff members, often with part-time work arrangements. However, under the new agreement, all DJ sessions will be treated as full working days, regardless of whether the DJ is a guest or a resident. Guest sessions can now last up to three hours, while resident sessions can extend up to four hours, with an additional 50% compensation for exceeding these time frames.

The issue of VAT rates for DJ sessions, whether it should be 21% or 10%, remains unspecified in the regulations. However, the collaboration between artists and nightlife business owners has been emphasized as a crucial aspect of this legislative achievement.

To solidify and actualize this new agreement, the sector has presented a manifesto drafted by DJ and journalist Teo Tormo, justifying the DJ set as a “cultural manifestation of the first order” and an “ephemeral work of art” that only holds significance when performed live. The manifesto also includes a retrospective analysis of the DJ industry in Spain, drawing legal comparisons with other regions.

During the meeting, moderated by Mike Platinas, it was highlighted that DJs are an essential component of the nightlife ecosystem, contributing significantly to the state’s GDP, amounting to 2%. They generate over 20 billion euros annually. The AEDYP and España de Noche representatives acknowledged that this “revolution” became possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the UGT and CCOO unions, the Confederation of Performing Artists and Workers, the Union of Actors and Actresses, and the support of SGAE.