VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) is the leading legal aid and education organization dedicated to New York artists and its arts and cultural organizations. VLA strives to protect the artistic community’s livelihoods, businesses, and creative works through access to dedicated legal representation and focused education programs. VLA provides legal services to the arts community in every discipline, including: acting, animation, architectural design, bookmaking, choreography, composition, computer design, costume design, craft and folk arts, dance, directing, fashion, film, graphic design, installation art, literary arts, modeling, multimedia, music, photography, playwriting, poetry, printmaking, screenwriting, songwriting, theater, three-dimensional design, video arts, video game design, visual arts, and web design.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
VLA serves the artistic community’s need for legal services by providing access to free or low fee legal services. Qualifying artists can request legal assistance on all arts-related legal matters. See the Artists’ Legal Services page here for details.
COVID OPERATIONS: VLA is continuing to operate virtually during business hours. Please note that services may be delayed due to remote work. For new legal inquiries, please submit an online inquiry form using the links below. For other inquiries, please email us at vlany@vlany.org.
CLASSES
VLA plays an important role in educating artists, professionals within arts and cultural institutions, attorneys, students, and the general public about legal and business issues that affect artistic and creative endeavors. We provide industry-specific classes and workshops as well as core legal classes on copyright, contracts and non-profit formation. All classes are currently being held online through Zoom and a selection of classes are available on-demand.
VLA COVID RESPONSE
In the face of the outbreak of COVID-19, VLA remains committed to supporting at-risk artists and arts organizations. We understand the challenges that are being faced by artists and arts institutions, and the difficult decisions that need to be made. VLA remains open to assist all artists and arts organizations during this time.
LEGAL SERVICES
We have implemented an expedited intake process for arts-related issues affected by the COVID crisis. Please note when you fill out your intake form if your issue stems from the COVID crisis.
COVID RESOURCES
We are compiling resources for artists regarding emergency funding, health, and general preparedness. Click here to view this list. We will continue to monitor and update our resources as news and information become available.
ONLINE EDUCATION AND FREE COVID-SPECIFIC CLASSES
VLA has moved all upcoming workshops and education programs online through webinars and on-demand recordings. We are also hosting special free webinars on COVID-specific issues, which are intended to help artists understand and navigate new developments and legislation that impact them during the crisis. Check our calendar for upcoming COVID-related webinars. If you were unable to attend any of these live events, recorded videos are available online here.
ACCESSIBILITY
VLA strives to make its services, programs and facilities accessible to everyone. VLA offers assistance for the visual and hearing impaired, with prior notification. VLA’s offices also are wheel chair accessible via elevator. Please call us at 212-319-2787 ext 1 to request assistance with these or other reasonable accommodations.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
729 7th Avenue, Suite 1401
New York, NY 10019
1 (212) 319-2787 ext. 1
vlany@vlany.org
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