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Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Newsletter February 2011
Greetings! The heavy snowfalls in January did nothing to slow us down here at VLA! Elena Paul and Gary Glaser led an exciting and informative class on Legal Issues in the Fashion Workplace, we welcomed new law school interns from Brooklyn Law School and Columbia Law School, and preparations for The Law School for Visual Artists kicked into high gear for the start of the program on February 2. We also welcomed a new board member to the VLA Board of Directors, American Lyric Tenor Paul Sperry. Not only is Paul recognized as one of today's outstanding interpreters of American music, he is also a passionate advocate for American music. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the American Composers Orchestra and taught classes in song interpretation and performance at the Juilliard School. We are excited to have Paul join our Board. February is bringing big things as well. The week of February 10th through the 17th we are launching our very first Fashion Week series of programs. Events include a Forming Your For-Profit Business Class which will focus on fashion, a group walk through of Balenciaga: Spanish Master Exhibition at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute, as well as a big party to celebrate the end of Fashion Week at the Sculpture Center. For more information, check out our Fashion Week webpage. Our Art & Law Residency Program also kicked off its second year on January 10, with seminars on current art law cases as well as a theoretical investigation of free speech and censorship in contemporary art. Radhika Subramaniam and Professor Sonia Katyal will lead our next two seminars. We are very pleased to announce the two selected recipients of The Edward & Sally Van Lier Fund of the New York Community Trust to support their participation in the Art & Law Residency Program 2011. The selected 2011 recipients of the $7,500 awards each are Molly Dilworth and Alex Villar. Both Molly and Alex expressed their deep gratitude at the support. Congratulations. To read more on Molly, Alex, and the other 10 Residents, please view our website here. Please note that the VLA office will be closed February 21st for President's Day. We will re-open on February 22nd. See you soon!
VLA Staff
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
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VLA Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is pleased to launch a series of fashion related programs and events for NY's Fashion Week. To view our complete programming visit our website: vlany.org Find this icon in the Classes and Workshops section of this newsletter for VLA Fashion Week Programming ...............................................................................................................  
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Art & Law Residency Program
The Art & Law Residency provides an intellectual and artistic setting for participants to engage in ongoing discussions and debates that examine the overlap and disconnect between artistic production and the law from historical, social, ethical and intellectual standpoints. Using law as both a discourse and medium, new visual artwork and critical writing will come into being through the Program. All the participants also gain experience and knowledge they can carry into the future beyond the Program. The new residents for the 2011 program are: Michael Cataldi Blane de St. CroixMolly DilworthMazie Harris Carolyn Lambert Lorraine Lezama Graham Parker Risa PunoLian Amaris SifuentesWoody Sullander Alex VillarTracy Zwick To find out more about the new residents click here
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Featured Artist of the Month
Jenn Kahn
Jenn Kahn is a sculptor addressing the social conflicts displayed in the decorative and fragile. This spring, Jenn was awarded the 2011 Visiting Artist Fellowship at Urban Glass in Brooklyn, NY and is the recipient of the Van Lier Fund of the New York Community Trust. Her work has been featured at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna FL; Anderson Ranch Ranch Arts Center in Aspen, CO; and most recently in "Girl, Please" at Women Made Gallery in Chicago, IL.
Jenn attended Florida State University where she earned her BFA in Studio Art and a BA in English Studies. This past spring she completed her MFA at the University of Florida. Currently, Jenn lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
http://www.jennkahn.com/
Image above: Jenn Kahn, Wolves, 2010, found objects, dimensions variable.
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops
.................................................................................................... New Volunteer Attorney Orientation When: Monday, February 7, 2011, 6 - 7pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) Getting Started With VLA: New Volunteer Attorney Orientation To volunteer at our clinics or take a case from our case list, VLA requires that attorneys attend a short orientation. At the orientation, important information about VLA's programs, requirements for volunteers and our administrative procedures will be covered. Please note the following requirements for all attorneys performing volunteer work through VLA: - All volunteers must submit a current resume, including 3 references, that VLA will check.
- All volunteer attorneys MUST be covered by their own or their employer's legal malpractice insurance policy for volunteer work performed through VLA.
- Attorneys who have have been admitted to practice for less than 3 years must have a supervising attorney who has been admitted to practice for longer than 3 years. Volunteers are responsible for securing their own supervising attorney.
You MUST RSVP prior to attending an orientation session. To register for an orientation session please fill out and return this New Attorney Orientation Registration Form. You will only be contacted if that orientation is already full. Attorney orientations are conducted by Ben Brandow, Esq., Assistant Director of Legal Services. For additional information or if you are at a law firm and are interested in having VLA make a presentation to your attorneys about our volunteer opportunities please contact Ben at 212·319·ARTS (2787), ext. 14 or at bbrandow@vlany.org. .................................................................................................... Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status Workshop
When: Tuesday, February 8, 2010, 1 - 4pm Tuesday, March 8, 2010, 1 - 4pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) This three-hour introductory class introduces individuals, organizations and practicing attorneys to the basics of nonprofit incorporation and federal and state tax exemption. Class includes course e-book with this pertinent information, along with information on fiscal sponsorships programs as well as sample forms and documents. This class provides individuals, organizations and practicing attorneys with valuable information about starting a nonprofit organization. State issues to be covered include articles of incorporation, bylaws, and the first organization meeting. Federal issues include the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and corresponding regulations, application for employer identification number, IRS disclosure rules, unrelated business taxable income, charitable contributions, and restrictions on lobbying. VLA requires all applicants seeking Nonprofit Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status services through VLA to attend this class before a volunteer attorney can be assigned to them.
This class will be taught by Sergio Muñoz Sarmiento, Esq., VLA's Associate Director. Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class) Arts Professional VLA Member: $75 Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100 VLA Legal Professional Member: $150 Legal Professional Non-Member: $200 (Additional individuals from the same start-up organization may register for an additional $25 ea. To register and for more information, please see this Non-Profit registration form, or register via phone at 212.319.2787 x1.
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Forming your For-Profit Arts Business
Focus on Fashion
When: Thursday, February 10, 2010, 4 - 6pm
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)
This workshop provides valuable information about starting an arts-related business. Covered issues also include: For vs. Non-Profit incorporation, fiscal sponsorship, selecting and protecting business names; the legal and tax characteristics of LLCs and publication requirements, partnerships, and type C and S corporations; choice of jurisdiction; financing your business; employees and independent contracts; and insurance. In recognition of Fashion Week, this session will focus on fashion, apparel and design businesses
Fees:
(there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Arts Professional VLA Member: $75
Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100
VLA Legal Professional Member: $125
Legal Professional Non-Member: $175
This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq.
To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org
To apply for a full or partial CLE scholarship, please view our Financial Aid Policy Guidelines here
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VLA FASHION WEEK SPECIAL EVENT:
Group walk through of Balenciaga: Spanish Master Exhibition
When: Monday, February 14, 2011, 2:30pm
Where: Queen Sofia Spanish Institute, 648 Park Avenue, New York
Queen Sofía Spanish Institute is proud to present BALENCIAGA: Spanish Master. Showcasing more than seventy items of Cristóbal Balenciaga clothing and accessories, the exhibition is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between the House of Balenciaga in Paris and an American institution.
After the tour the group will reconvene at Bistro Chat Noir at 4:30pm for a light meal and drinks.
Fees: $50 each entry or bring a date for a $75 special for both
Space extremely limited
Tour starts at 2:30pm sharp. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the event
Download registration/payment form here
If you have any questions contact Luis Nieto Dickens at lndickens@vlany.org or 212.319.2787 x12.
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Counseling the Fashion & Film ClientWhen: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 4 - 6:30pm
Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) This workshop addresses the common issues and many differences between film and fashion from the perspective of those seeking to represent and counsel artists in those fields. Artist working in those fields may also benefit from the class as it will provide an overview of the legal and business issues. Topics will include considerations in business organization and financing, and the creation, distribution and protection of business assets; industry-specific issues related to intellectual property; and common contracts for filmmakers/producers and artists working in fashion, apparel and design, modeling, photography and jewelry.
Fees (all fees are nonrefundable):
Individuals/Orgs: $20 for VLA members; $45 for non-members
Attorneys: $50 for YAMS; $100 for VLA members; $150 for nonmembers
To register please complete this registration form and mail, fax or e-mail to Anna Kadyshevich at akadyshevich@vlany.org: Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, 1 East 53rd Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Fax: 212.752.6575. Please call Anna Kadyshevich at 212.319.2787 x16 with any questions.
.................................................................................................... VLA FASHION WEEK SPECIAL EVENT: Open Legal Clinic at VLA When: February 16, 2011, 11-4pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Lobby) In-person 30 minute consultations with VLA staff attorneys for members of the arts community: Artists, designers, illustrators, photographers, make-up artists, designers of jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances and/or home products are invited to schedule a free 30 minute consultation with VLA staff. There is no charge to attend and this clinic is open to all, however, you must contact VLA to schedule a consultation at this special session. Schedule your appointment with Benjamin J. Brandow, Esq., at bbrandow@vlany.org or call 212.319.2787 x14 ....................................................................................................
Save the date:
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Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts & Friends of the FCI Presents: Starting Your Culinary Business When: March 8, 2011, 4:30 - 7pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) This workshop provides valuable information about starting a culinary business, including restaurants, bakeries, bars, and catering companies. This class will cover important issues that every start up business person needs to know including: the selection of a business entity, incorporation; financing, branding, licensing (including liquor licenses, cabaret permits, out door seating permits), taxes and regulatory compliance. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the French Culinary Institute (FCI). The Friends of the FCI is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable corporation that raises money for scholarships and financial aid to FCI career students based on financial need and ability to complete the program they desire. The organization was founded based on the belief that money should not stand between talented, motivated, deserving students and a first-rate culinary education. Fees (late registration fee of $10 if you register the day of the class):Current FCI Student: $25 FCI Alumni: $50 Other Culinary Professionals: $100 Other: $100 To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Elena M. Paul at 212.319.2787 x17.
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Forming your For-Profit Arts Business
When: Thursday, March 10, 2010, 4 - 6pm Where: VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium) This workshop provides valuable information about starting an arts-related business. Covered issues also include: For vs. Non-Profit incorporation, fiscal sponsorship, selecting and protecting business names; the legal and tax characteristics of LLCs and publication requirements, partnerships, and type C and S corporations; choice of jurisdiction; financing your business; employees and independent contracts; and insurance. Fees:(there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class) Arts Professional VLA Member: $75 Arts Professional Non-VLA member: $100 VLA Legal Professional Member: $125 Legal Professional Non-Member: $175 This class will be taught by VLA's Executive Director, Elena M. Paul, Esq. To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Joni Todd at 212.319.2787 x10, or e-mail her at jtodd@vlany.org
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Become a VLA Member Today!
Law Firm and Corporate Members:
VLA has developed two new opportunities for attorneys and other legal professionals, that are now available à la carte or as part of the benefits of a Corporate/Law Firm Membership at the Patron Level.
Artist, Arts Organization, and Legal Professional Members:
VLA has also just developed an additional training opportunity for attorneys and arts professionals looking to make a career transition from legal practice to nonprofit careers.
For more information on these new programs and on becoming a law firm or corporate member, please click here
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Donate to VLA
VLA has seen an increase in demand for pro bono legal services, in-house consultations, legal clinics, and educational programming, and we expect 2010 to be even more demanding. Would you like to support more VLA legal services and educational programming?
In 2010, your support will make possible:
- More legal services to low-income artists
- More legal services to arts nonprofit organizations
- More educational programming
- More scholarship programs
- More outreach programming
- Maintaining lower fees for legal services and educational programming
- More discounts on legal books for artists
Donations of any size will have a positive impact on our ability to provide vital services for artists and the arts community. $5, $10, $25, or $75 will help. In fact, if you donate more than $100 we will send you a VLA Supporter Box. What's in a VLA Supporter Box? Click here
Donate by purchasing an Artwork
VLA is very pleased to announce the sale of a limited edition print by noted American artist Jim Hodges. Born in 1957 in Washington State, Hodges creates pieces using a variety of materials with the meticulous precision of collage work, sewing, assembling and cut-out. The end results are works that are both minimal and rich. A retrospective of his work was held at the Centre Pompidou in Paris late last year. His work is also included in the collections of such institutions as The Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Modern Art, New York and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. (detail of artwork shown)
Mr. Hodges has generously donated these unframed limited edition prints to VLA.
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Library and Bookstore VLA has a small but in-depth book library containing a wealth of materials and resources for artists, arts organizations, and legal professionals. Our books and materials cover diverse areas such as nonprofits, fiscal sponsorships, visual art, music, theater, dance, writing, film, internet, and digital media, all in relation to intellectual property, contracts, licensing, legal entities, free speech, employment law, and grant writing. Access to VLA's library is free and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 12 to 6pm.
Along with providing individuals and organizations with access to the VLA's Library, VLA makes available a wide variety of books for all arts disciplines and organizations. For a list of our publications and books available for sale, please visit our list. For book prices and shipping fees, please contact VLA at our Art Law Line at 212.319.2787, x1. _________________________________________________________ |
Financial Aid for Lawyers
Financial Aid Policy Guidelines for CLE ClassesTo apply for a full or partial scholarship, applicants must submit proof of unemployment or their most recent tax return and a completed registration form for that class via mail to VLA 1 E. 53rd St., 6th Floor attn: Ben Brandow or via fax at 212.752.6575.
Unemployed: 75% scholarship Income up to $35,000: 50% scholarship Income $35,000 to $50,000: 25% scholarship Income over $50,000: No Discount_________________________________________________________
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Education & Programming
Our Department of Education offers a wide variety of discipline-specific and general educational programs, both at its office and privately on location for law firms and art, cultural and service organizations. VLA is also certified by the New York State Bar Continuing Legal Education Board as an accredited provider of Continuing Legal Education courses and programs. Accordingly, VLA provides CLE classes at its office, and privately for law firms at their offices. VLA also custom designs courses, including CLE classes, upon request.
For more information on any of our programs please call Sergio Muñoz Sarmiento at 212·319·ARTS (2787), ext.13.
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About VLA
Since 1969, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts has been the leading provider of pro bono legal services and mediation, as well as educational programs, publications, and advocacy to the arts community in the New York area and beyond. As the first arts-related legal aid organization, VLA is the model for similar organizations around the world. VLA is supported in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and through generous gifts from law firms, corporations, foundations and individuals. Our Supporters
VLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal service organization supported in part with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and through generous gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals. View a full list of foundation and government supporters here; to view a full list of law firm and corporate supporters, click here.
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Look for us in the March issue of The Art Economist
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Featured Artist Every month we will feature a New York area artist, designer or illustrator working in any media on our monthly newsletter. If you would like to see your work here please e-mail your name, contact info, artistic medium and a link to your online portfolio to Luis Nieto Dickens at lndickens@vlany.org to receive more info on format and deadline. All inquiries to appear in our newsletter should be sent by February 11, 2011
Image above: Jenn Kahn, Slick, 2009, altered found object, latex, acrylic. Dimensions vary. |
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Monday, June 13, 2011 303 Gallery 547 W 21st Street New York, NY 10011 To purchase tickets download this form. For more information contact VLA's Legal Fellow, Anna Kadyshevich via e-mail at akadyshevich@vlany.org or by phone at 212.319.2787 ext. 16 |
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Sponsored by VLA
NARM, the music business association, is bringing its Entertainment and Technology Law Conference Series back to the Big Apple on Monday, February 28. Join them from 1-5:30 PM for an afternoon of discussions and debates that merge entertainment law issues with insight on the new technology and media concerns that are at the forefront of the entertainment and technology industries. Topics will include copyright registration challenges; anti-piracy strategies; digital sales and use taxes; and privacy laws. Space is limited. Mark your calendar and be sure to take advantage of our early bird registration opportunities by February 2. Save an additional $50 by using the code CLE-nyvla50. More info here |
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