When it comes to being an artistic creator, legal issues matter.
VLA offers a variety of programs and workshops, which are listed below. We also offer a selection of on-demand, online recordings of previously held education programs for those unable to attend or want a refresher. Click here to access and view these presentations.
When it comes to being an artistic creator, legal issues matter.
Join VLA online for a three-part workshop series aimed at providing artists and attorneys of all disciplines with fundamental and practical knowledge of key areas in art law. Through understanding principles of copyright and contract law, you’ll be better equipped to understand the marketplace value of your work and make a living doing what you love.
Workshops can be attended individually, but we encourage participants to attend all three workshops to get an overview of the key areas of art law. All workshops will take place online. For fees and to register for workshops, see the links below.
Continuing Legal Education: Continuing legal education credits for all workshops are approved for Non-Transitional and Transitional Attorneys.
[ENDED] Part One: Copyright Essentials (1 CLE)
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 5 – 6:30 PM
As an artist, it is essential for you to understand your rights in your creations, and what to do if you believe those rights have been violated. Whether or not art is your livelihood, you should take the steps necessary to protect your ownership rights in your work. We will discuss the basics of copyright law, what it does and does not cover, and steps you can take to help prevent copyright infringement of your work. This workshop is taught by VLA’s Staff Attorney Laura Levin-Dando.
[ENDED] Part Two: Is it Fair? (A Guide to Fair Use in Art) (1.5 CLE)
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 5 – 6:30 PM
Are you an artist wondering if and when you can incorporate copyrighted material into your artwork? There are certain circumstances where the limited, “fair use” of copyrighted material may be permitted. Is it Fair? is designed to enable non-lawyers, as well as lawyers who have limited experience in the subject, to understand how copyright law – with a particular focus on fair use – affects visual art. This workshop is taught by VLA’s Executive Director Katie Wagner.
Part Three: Contract Basics (1 CLE)
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 5 – 6:30 PM
Whether you are creating commissioned work, a musician performing a gig, a filmmaker licensing music, or any artist engaged in any business relationship, you are probably entering into contracts on a regular basis. But do you know how to create a contract, what terms are important, or how a contract may be unenforceable? As an artist and an entrepreneur, contracts are an essential tool for your business. In this class, we will provide an overview of contract law, including essential aspects of contract formation, enforceability, and standard contract provisions. This workshop is taught by Laura Levin-Dando, VLA’s Staff Attorney and Joseph Tedeschi, General Counsel and Senior Advisor.