Joy Burch is putting the word out there that the ACT Government is chipping in for the Arts Law Centre of Australia:
ACT artists and arts organisations will have access to free or subsidised legal advice thanks to a national partnership to revamp the Arts Law Centre of Australia, to which the ACTGovernment is contributing $10,000.
Arts Law is the national community legal centre for the arts which provides specialised legal and business advice, referral services, professional development resources and advocacy for artists and arts organisations.
ACT Arts Minister Joy Burch said the ACT Government’s contribution is part of a national approach to legal services in the arts through a new agreement with the Australia Council and other state arts agencies that was agreed to last year.
“It is very important that artists and arts organisations understand their legal rights and responsibilities,” Ms Burch said.
“Through Arts Law, Canberra artists have access to a free telephone service, a wide range of templates for legal agreements and low-cost document review services for contracts and other legal documents.”
Arts Law provides a range of legal advice including on contracts, copyright, moral rights, trade marks, business names and structures, defamation, insurance and employment. Arts Law also provides a broad range of legal resources to help build the capacity and sustainability of the arts sector.
“The funding will ensure that ACT artists and arts organisations receive the legal advice they require. It is excellent value for money for the ACT given that over 40 artists and arts organisations seek advice annually at heavily subsided rates. Without this, many ACT artists could not afford legal services.”