An Introduction to Legal Issues for Artists (Art & Hustle series)

Should I set up an LLC? Is my work protected by copyright? Do I need a written contract for all my projects?

If you're a creative looking to build the business of your arts practice, then this workshop is for you! Luke Blackadar, an attorney from the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of MA, will introduce some of the legal issues that are common to creative small businesses. Major topics will include business organizations (sole proprietorships, LLCs, etc.), intellectual property (with an emphasis on copyright law), and contract best practices. This session will also introduce some helpful business habits. Creative workers of all artistic disciplines and at all career stages are welcome! 

The last session in the Art & Hustle monthly series for artists, makers, and creatives navigating the business side of their work. Attend this workshop as a one-off or if you came to the previous four, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion when you attend this one. Either is fine!

Schedule:

5:00 p.m. Nibble and network in the Crossings Gallery

5:30-7:00p.m. Presentation

co-presented by Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Harvard Ed Portal

This workshop is held in a large group format (approx. 85-100 participants) with activities and seating arranged to encourage conversation and connection.

About the Presenter

Luke Blackadar is Deputy Director of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, where he manages the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and Patent Pro Bono programs; he also teaches at Roger Williams University School of Law, BU Metropolitan College, and Northeastern University School of Law, serves on the board of the Community Music School of Boston, and is a member of Governor Maura Healey’s Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council.

Advance registration is preferred for all Ed Portal programs and events. Walk-in attendees may not be admitted.

If you require an accommodation for a disability, please call the Ed Portal ahead of time at 617-496-5022 or e-mail us at edportal@harvard.edu, and we will do our best to assist you. 
To help protect visitors and staff, members of the public are asked to stay home if they are unwell or have experienced signs of illness* in the past 24-hours.

* Signs of illness include: fever, chills or feeling feverish; a new cough (not related to chronic condition); new fatigue; muscle or body aches; sore throat; new nasal congestion or new runny nose (not related to seasonal allergies); nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

Parking is limited around the Ed Portal so we recommend taking public transportation.

Public transportation options:

We are about a 15-20 minute walk from the Red Line Harvard Square station or Green Line -B Harvard Avenue station.

Several MBTA buses also stop near the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue: #66, #86, #70.

Latecomer Policy: Late arrivals are welcome. Seating, materials, and refreshments are available while supplies last and are not guaranteed for late arrivals.

Supervision of Children: Childcare will not be available at this event. The Ed Portal does not allow child under the age 14 to be at the Ed Portal unsupervised by a parent or guardian unless childcare is available or a child is enrolled in an Ed Portal program.

Parking information: If you choose to drive to the Ed Portal please be prepared to utilize the two-hour on-street parking surrounding the Ed Portal or to park at Artesani Park and walk 10-12 minutes along Western Avenue to arrive at the Ed Portal. A limited number of parking spaces are available in the rear of the Ed Portal building on a first come, first serve basis. You may only use parking spaces in the rear of the Ed Portal building outlined in orange paint.