Advocacy
From its inception, VLA has played an important role as an advocate on behalf of the arts community in different ways, ranging from participation in litigation, making public statements about matters of interest to the arts community, and making recommendations about pending legislation. These are some of the areas that VLA believes are of paramount importance to artists.
Free Speech and the First Amendment
Zieper v. Metzinger - VLA filed a brief in support of preventing government officials from chilling artists’ protected speech.
Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences v. The City of New York and Rudolph W. Guiliani - VLA filed a brief in support of the Brooklyn Museum’s free speech rights.
Artist Taxation Issues
VLA supports federal legislation creating an Artists Fair Market Value Tax Deduction.
Protecting the Integrity of Artists' Works
Phillips v. Pembroke - VLA files brief in support of protecting the integrity of public works of art.
Other Legislative Issues
VLA opposes the current New York Publication Requirement for newly formed limited liability companies (LLCs).
VLA opposes H.R. 683, the Trademark Dilution Revision Act