Community Partner Spotlight: Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MdVLA)
Today, we turn the spotlight over to one of our community and VLA partners, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. After you read their spotlight blog, be sure to follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
What is the history of your organization, and what is its mission?
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MdVLA) was founded in 1985. MdVLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland artists’ legal rights. We believe it’s our responsibility to stand up for artists who need legal representation.
How do you support members of the creative community, and how can a creator get involved with your organization?
Through the help of our professionally trained network of lawyers, we proudly provide pro bono legal referrals and services to artists in the state of Maryland. We hold lectures and seminars as well as Art Law Clinics for consultations, and we generate educational materials. Creatives can get involved with our organization by attending workshops, lectures, seminars, Art Law Clinics, or submitting a lawyer request form on our website.
What inspired your organization to become a Copyright Alliance community partner?
Copyright is one of the top three concerns that artists and creatives approach us with. Copyright Alliance’s commitment to making this information accessible and digestible to creatives is clearly aligned with the mission and vision of MdVLA.
How have copyright and related issues affected your organization and its creator base?
Issues related to copyright affect artists across all disciplines and practices. Creatives who are dancers, curators, photographers, or musicians have important questions around copyright. This information has been mystified for so long, that many people do not have a full understanding of what it is or if it’s right for them. We’re trying to close that gap.
What is one thing you wish creators understood more clearly about copyright?
We wish creators understood more clearly that by working with an attorney you can more fully explore all the options related to protecting your intellectual property.
What advice would you give aspiring creators just starting out and unsure of how to protect their work?
Talk to an attorney! You don’t have to guess at it or go at it alone. There is support available and folks who are just as invested in your work as you are.
If you aren’t already a member of the Copyright Alliance, you can join today by completing our Individual Creator Members membership form! Members gain access to monthly newsletters, educational webinars, and so much more — all for free!