About Us

Over Four Decades of Providing Legal Services

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MDVLA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland artists’ and organizations’ legal rights through pro bono legal services and education.

Founded in 1985, MDVLA and the context in which we exist have continued to shift, but what remains is the value that artists and creatives bring to the vibrant communities around the state of Maryland and the protection and preservation they deserve. At its inception, MDVLA was a part-time operation. In the 40 years since then, MDVLA has evolved intentionally and steadily.

We’ve expanded our legal clinics and referral services, built robust educational resources, and developed a team of on-staff attorneys and community connectors. We are committed to showing up in policy rooms, on task forces, and in community spaces to center artists and unapologetically challenge the often extractive landscape that artists navigate. By supporting artists’ livelihoods, MDVLA services and programs address the root causes of systemic barriers to opportunity and foster a more equitable creative economy.

As an organization devoted to continuous learning, we strive to embody MDVLA’s values through each stakeholder interaction and incorporate them into our organization. Our culminating vision is a society where the contributions of artists and culture-shaping creatives are not only recognized but respected.

Our Core Values

Artist-Centered

MDVLA is guided by the belief that culture-shaping creatives deserve to be seen, valued, and legally protected as contributors to their communities and economies.

Systemic Change

MDVLA contributes to restructuring systemic power by providing subsidized legal services and education to the creative community. We work to demystify systems of oppression and hold institutions accountable, giving power and autonomy back to Maryland’s creative community. We believe justice, equity, and fairness can be achieved for all disenfranchised people.

Relational Alignment

MDVLA is committed to relational alignment – fostering agency and empowerment for the diverse stakeholders we serve throughout the state of Maryland. We practice authentic relationships through a commitment to transparent communication, respect, empathy, and mutual exchange.

Growth

MDVLA is committed to the growth of our clients, Maryland’s creative community, pro bono volunteers, and staff. The organization continues to be teachable, committed to continuous improvement, and responsive to community needs.

Artist-Centered

MDVLA is guided by the belief that culture-shaping creatives deserve to be seen, valued, and legally protected as contributors to their communities and economies.