3 Takeaways: Anatomy of a Contract

Posted Apr 15, 2020 | News & Events,

1. Putting it in writing will avoid “he said, she said,” clarify the agreement, reinforce the commitments, serve as reliable record of the agreement, and may be required by law (e.g. transferring copyright ownership). 2. Before you start negotiating, know what you want (then don’t be afraid to ask...

CARES Act Unemployment for Independent Contractors, Freelancers, Self-Employed and Gig Workers

Posted Apr 07, 2020 | News & Events,

Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, many artists and creative workers, who cobble their incomes together from multiple sources, will soon be eligible for “safety net” unemployment benefits. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, expands eligibility to nontraditional workers such as...

3 Takeaways: Public Speaking for Creatives

Posted Apr 01, 2020 | News & Events,

1. Approach public speaking like an actor prepares and then performs. Be authentic. Be invested. Be truthful. Believe in your material. That means doing your inner homework. 2. Prepare your script then practice, practice, practice — out loud. 3. Chose to WANT to be speaking. Begin confidently. Speak with...

3 Takeaways: Copyright Clinic

Posted Mar 25, 2020 | News & Events,

1. Copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, plays, paintings, choreography, movies, songs (and computer software). Copyright does not protect ideas; it protects how ideas are expressed. 2. It’s important to address and clarify copyright ownership as early as possible...

3 Takeaways: Don’t Keep Your Day Job

Posted Mar 13, 2020 | News & Events,

The tipping point is when your fulltime job is getting in the way of what has already become your fulltime arts practice. Before you quit your day job, evaluate your finances (and get credit), think through your goals, and work on generating multiple revenue streams (such as commissions, licensing...

VLAA Moving Into The High Low In Grand Center

Posted Apr 29, 2019 | News & Events,

We’re pleased to announce that we’ll be moving into the High Low, The Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s new literary arts venue in Grand Center. The renovated 2-story building will open this summer. It will include office suites with office partitions, desks, and the necessary equipment, workspaces for writers, a cafe,...

Appeals Court Dismisses Pulphus Lawsuit

Posted Dec 03, 2018 | News & Events,

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has dismissed Pulphus v. Ayers, the lawsuit challenging the removal of Untitled #1, a painting by St. Louis artist David Pulphus, from a U.S. Capitol high school student art exhibit. The unanimous three-judge decision did not address the First Amendment...

The Profitable Artist

Posted Oct 03, 2018 | News & Events,

Service organizations like the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and VLAA understand that although most artists are running small businesses, too many are unfamiliar with business concepts that can help them move towards more sustainable careers. NYFA’s second edition of The Profitable Artist draws on the Brooklyn-based...

Remarks by Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay

Posted May 03, 2018 | News & Events,

VLAA’s Censored at the US Capitol: Pulphus v. Ayers and Its Implications, April 30, 2018 Good afternoon everyone and thank you for that kind welcome. First of all, I want to thank Sue Greenberg and the Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts for taking a stand in defense...

Unsung Heroes Advocate for Creatives

Posted Apr 10, 2018 | News & Events,

Brigid Flynn (left) and Liz Deichmann (right) saw an unmet need and created Midwest Artist Project Services (MAPS). Founded in 2011, their nonprofit, tax-exempt organization serves and empowers individual artists, collectives and emerging arts organizations by providing business consultation, fiscal sponsorship, professional development and vetted online resources. Unsung heroes,...

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