MediateArt pairs artists with mediators to resolve arts-related disputes outside the traditional legal framework. For information, please call Ben Brandow, Director of Mediation at (212) 319-ARTS, ext. 16.
About the Program
MediateArt is dedicated to providing low-cost alternative dispute resolution service to artists with conflicts that can be addressed outside the traditional legal framework. Mediation provides an alternative setting that does not involve the formalities of an adversarial system where one party wins and the other loses. Instead, the process empowers parties to find their own resolution, creating an opportunity for a win-win solution to emerge from the participation of all parties in a dispute. Some types of arts-related disputes handled through the program include disagreements over copyright ownership, collaboration agreements and payment issues.
This year, MediateArt sought to resolve disputes for artists and arts organizations in a variety of genres including music, film, theatre, visual arts, literary and more. Over 50 disputes were brought to the program, 17 cases were opened and several formal mediations were scheduled. The formal mediations successfully resolved the disputes at hand; and the MediateArt Program involvement, in all cases, helped the initiating parties by giving them a vehicle to address their disputes and to present their issues to the other side.
Mediation is:
- VOLUNTARY: Both parties choose to participate in the mediation process and work together to create a mutually agreeable resolution.
- CONFIDENTIAL: Unlike a court proceeding, where there is a public record, the parties in mediation sign a confidentiality agreement; nothing disclosed in mediation is admissible in court, in the event that litigation is pursued.
- NEUTRAL: The mediators facilitate communication between the parties but do not determine who is right or wrong.
- INFORMAL: The process is less expensive and faster than litigation. The parties work together to find with a creative resolution that addresses the participants’ interests.
- COST-EFFECTIVE: MediateArt offers low cost services for individuals and organizations to resolve disputes without having to resort to expensive and time-consuming litigation. Fees range from $35 to $100. Contact the Program Coordinator for details.
Volunteering
MediateArt would not continue to exist without the generous support and donation of services from our highly skilled and dedicated volunteer mediators. Our volunteer mediators spend many hours each year helping members of the arts community resolve their differences as amicably as possible in intense mediations that often necessitate multiple sessions.
The mediation sessions are arranged with 2 trained, volunteer mediators. Typically, one mediator is a lawyer and one is an artist or arts-administrator. Volunteer mediators are invited to participate in mediations based on availability and scheduling. The program provides for one or more 3-hour sessions (limited to 3 sessions) held at a law firm in midtown Manhattan.
VLA’s Basic Mediation Training is a prerequisite for our volunteer mediators.
Training
MediateArt does not currently have a mediator training scheduled. If you would like to be notified of the next VLA Basic Mediation Training, please email Ben Brandow .