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

 

VLA Opposes Dead Celebrities Bill

The New York State Assembly and Senate adjourned their regular sessions yesterday without taking action on the "Dead Celebrities" bill. This is good news. This legislation would give heirs of anyone who died after January 1, 1938, the right to sue for unauthorized use in "advertising" or "for the purpose of trade" the "name, portrait, voice, signature or picture" of their deceased forbearers. It clearly poses a significant threat to First Amendment rights and, as a consequence, would impose limitations on the rights of all artists. As a representative of the arts community, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts opposes the adoption of any such new rights.

Although there was no action on the bill, it appears likely that it will be reconsidered in a special session of the legislature expected this summer. It's not too late -- nor too early for the anticipated special session -- to register your opposition to the bill: please fax your letters to the legislators listed below.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (fax: 518-455-2448)
Senator Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn, Sponsor of Senate bill) (fax: 518-426-6910)
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (fax: 518-455-5459)
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein (D-Brooklyn, Sponsor of Assembly bill) (fax 518-455-5752)

Thank you for your support.

Elena M. Paul, Esq.
Executive Director
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

Please feel free to forward and post this message.