Who We Are
MdVLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland artists’ legal rights. We believe it’s our responsibility to stand up for artists who need legal representation. Your work is precious. We can help protect it.
How We Do What We Do
Through the help of our professionally trained network of lawyers, we proudly provide pro bono legal referrals and services to artists in the state of Maryland. We hold lectures and seminars as well as Art Law Clinics for consultations, and we generate educational materials to keep you in the know.
Here’s How It Works
Step 2: We Determine Your Eligibility
Step 3: We Attempt to Match You with a Lawyer
Other Services We Offer
Lectures and Seminars
Art Law Clinic
We regularly hold lectures and seminars to educate you on your rights and the services available to you through our programs.
Through this program, our volunteer attorneys meet with artists for a 30-minute consultation to go over their short-form legal issues related to their creative endeavors.
Educational Materials
- November 3, 2024
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Don't DIY This: When is it time to talk to an attorney?
November 3, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Coppin State University, 2500 W North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21216, USAAt the Black Artist Fair by the Black Arts District, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts will present on common legal issues for creative small businesses and empower artists to know when it is time to talk to an attorney.
More details about the Fair: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-artist-fair-2024-tickets-1042360808237?aff=erelexpmlt.
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- November 6, 2024
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Save the Date: Legal Issues for Public Artists Workshop
November 6, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
The creation of public art requires stakeholders, contracts, and unforeseen complexities. Join the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) and MdVLA for a workshop that covers the basics of various legal issues facing public artists. We will discuss copyright, the Visual Artist Rights Act of 1990 (VARA), relevant agreements, incorporation as a business entity, and more. Join if you’ve ever been asked to sign a lengthy contract with a government entity, wondered how to appropriately protect yourself during a multi-year project, or have any other questions specific to your work.
Registration will be available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/maryland-state-arts-council-17190128438.
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- November 9, 2024
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Art Law Clinic
November 9, 2024 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you a painter, musician or any kind of creative entrepreneur that lives in Maryland? Do you have legal questions or concerns?
Make an appointment for our Virtual Art Law Clinic on November 9, 2024 from 1pm-4pm! You can snag a 30-minute consult with one of our volunteer attorneys to sort out any general issues or questions you might have. Registration is $5 & nonrefundable.
The Clinic will be held virtual on Zoom. No in-person option is available.
Registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-law-clinic-november-2024-virtual-tickets-1043017562607?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Call MdVLA at 410-752-1633.