Making a deal? Do you need a lawyer?
Posted Aug 30, 2023 | Legal Issues,
by Sue Greenberg, VLAA Executive Director Although many of us prefer to conduct business on a handshake, vague verbal agreements can result in ugly misunderstandings. Putting the agreement in writing clarifies the obligations, encourages the parties to take their promises seriously, guards against forgetfulness and provides reasonable assurance that...
Legal Guide for the Visual Artist
Posted Oct 28, 2022 | Legal Issues,
By Sue Greenberg, Executive Director The art world has changed for the better since 1997, when Tad Crawford published the first edition of Legal Guide for the Visual Artist. Legal protections have expanded, and technology has changed the way art can be created and disseminated. So, it is a...
A More Meaningful Board Treasurer
Posted Mar 22, 2023 | Financial Matters,
By Sue Greenberg, VLAA Executive Director As outlined in most by-laws, the treasurer is the organization’s principal financial officer. The treasurer’s duties may include: making regular financial reports to the board; overseeing the preparation of the annual budget and monitoring its implementation; chairing the finance committee; ensuring that all...
Celebrating the Freedom to Read
Posted Sep 23, 2022 | News & Events,
On September 22, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s weekly High Noon at the High Low lecture series highlighted Banned Books Week with Maxi Glamour and Mark Sableman. Glamour, who has participated in several public library drag queen story hour events, began the program by reading What Riley Wore by Elena...
Don’t Make Us Cry
Posted May 02, 2024 | Financial Matters,
Not long ago, we heard from yet another small nonprofit art organization that lost its tax-exempt status. Why? No one remembered to file the organization’s IRS 990-N. Also known as the e-Postcard, the form is used by tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less. The...
Election Year Warning From the IRS
Posted Jan 10, 2024 | Legal Issues,
by Sue Greenberg, executive director As the presidential election approaches, don’t let your enthusiasm jeopardize your arts organization’s tax-exempt status. Be aware that 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office. The prohibition applies...
Re-Opening Plan Guidance
Posted Jul 28, 2020 | News & Events,
March 2022 Update With case numbers plummeting, some cultural organizations and venues are relaxing their safety protocols. Missouri ArtsSafe posted updates on February 25— all based on CDC guidance. If you make changes to your online safety plan, please make sure you maintain the same URL; otherwise, it will break...
To Rep. Clay re: Mixed Earner Pandemic Unemployment Bill
Posted Jul 06, 2020 | News & Events,
Dear Rep. Clay: Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Judy Chu are recruiting Democrats in the House to be cosponsors of the Mixed Earner Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act. I’m writing to encourage you to sign on. The proposed legislation would ensure that thousands of St. Louis creatives, who normally cobble...
3 Takeaways: Why Medicaid Expansion Makes Sense
Posted Jul 05, 2020 | News & Events,
Health insurance and healthcare policies are quickly becoming an essential part of daily life in America. With the cost of living rising along with medical spending costs, people can no longer afford to be uninsured. Health insurance policies have in turn become diversified and more accessible so that they...
