Like any other worker, artists require the support from communities as well as organizations that will give them some advice or even help financially. For this assignment, it was chosen to discuss Artists’ Legal Advice Services (ALAS), which is operated and managed by a team of volunteer law students and professional lawyers. The team members dedicate their time to offer advice to artists unable to pay for expensive consultations. The organization’s headquarters is located on 56 Wellesley Street West, Toronto, Ontario. ALAS has an official website that artists are encouraged to visit when seeking relevant information about the organization.
The help of ALAS is imperative to creative individuals because it provides advice from experienced individuals in the fields of arts and entertainment. Fostering the environment of support and collaboration is the main goal of the organization, especially given the complex social climate, challenged by such issues as the rights of minorities, the pay gap, racial discrimination, and so on. Since artists tend to reflect the social climate in their works, supporting them from the legal standpoint is important not only to prevent the mistreatment on the part of businesses or communities but also to ensure that negative situations do not occur in the future.
According to ALAS’ website, artists can schedule appointments with the legal team. They usually take around thirty minutes, during which a lawyer will listen to the concerns of the client and provide summary advice or overall guidance targeted at solving any legal problems. It is imperative to mention that all consultations are free and artists are not forced to pay anything. However, there is a recommended donation of $20, which ALAS clients can make either in person or via PayPal. Through the use of the organization’s website, artists can fill in the form to schedule an appointment with a lawyer.
The contribution of ALAS should not be overlooked because artists’ unions are imperative for strengthening the side of labor and culturally empowering workers to enhance their work (D’Arcy, 1994). As mentioned in the article “When artists meet unions,” there is a need for collaborative effort between artists and unions: “artists must depict union life with respect and accuracy, and unionists need to learn to listen to artists and to negotiate clearly the terms of alliance” (D’Arcy, 1994, p. 21). ALAS has shown to foster collaboration with artists through holding events during which artists share their experiences and ask for the advice of the organization’s team. For instance, on January 30, 2018, ALAS held a “Music roundtable” that discussed the issues emerging performing artists when trying to engage in professional business (ALAS, 2018). Law advice was provided by Paul Sanderson from Sanderson Law, information on publishing and booking was offered by Adrian Battiston and Stefanie Purificati, while label advice was given by Laura Cappe from Royal Mountain Records.
To conclude, ALAS is an organization that provides legal support to creative individuals and offers artists an opportunity to resolve their problems. The fact that it works on a charitable basis is important to note because too many artists live on the poverty line, struggling to sustain their living. Being well-informed regarding issues of law is a weapon that any artist can use to his or her advantage, especially when it comes to avoiding challenging issues such as copyrights and intellectual property.
References
ALAS. (2018). Upcoming events. Web.
D’Arcy, M. (1994). When artists meet unions. Our Times, 1994, 19-22.