What is a work of visual art?

As defined by the Copyright Act, paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures are works of visual art as long as they exist either as a single copy, or as a limited edition of 200 or less copies that are signed and numbered by the author. A still photograph is also a work of visual art if it is produced for exhibition only, and also exists either as a single copy or as a limited edition of 200 or less copies that are signed and numbered by the author.

The Copyright Act also identifies various things that do not qualify as works of visual art, including (but not limited to), works made for hire, anything not entitled to copyright protection under the other provisions of the Copyright Act, any promotional or merchandising items, posters, maps, charts, movies or other audiovisual works, books, magazines, newspapers and databases.