Columbus, Ohio – The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) and the Columbus Bar Association (CBA) are pleased to announce a new program offering pro bono legal assistance for Franklin County artists and small arts organizations.
The Arts Legal Assistance Program will be offered for arts related issues based on CBA defined areas of legal support (i.e., contracts, copyright and trademark issues, business structure issues and lease agreements). The program is intended to support individual artists and smaller arts groups. As an initial guideline this would include arts organizations with annual budgets of less than $200,000.
“There is a significant need in the arts community, particularly among individual artists for professional legal advice,” said Milt Baughman, Interim President of GCAC. “There is wealth of independent and entrepreneurial creative spirit in Columbus, and we hope this service will help only further protect and promote the intellectual and creative assets of artists and organizations in our community.”
“Because the arts, emerging artists and arts related organizations are such an important part of this community, the Columbus Bar is looking forward to providing legal assistance to these individuals and groups. It is a significant way for lawyers with the right expertise and commitment to support the arts,” said Judge Stephen McIntosh, CBA President.
To ensure pro bono services are available to the broadest group, it is expected that program participants will be limited to using the program twice over a 12-month period.
Artists and organizations seeking a referral to the appropriate attorney will contact GCAC who will do a preliminary evaluation of the request. GCAC will help address questions from prospective artists or arts organizations regarding the scope and services available through the Arts Legal Assistance Program, and will help ensure resources are made available on the broadest possible basis to artists and organizations with the most significant need.
For more information or to request referral for the Arts Legal Assistance Program please contact Ruby Harper at rharper@gcac.org.
About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County, the Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts for their continued support.
CONTACT: Jami Goldstein
(614) 221-8492
jgoldstein@gcac.org
