Protect Your Work, Build Your Business: Legal Basics Workshops for Creators

Founded by visionary community leaders in 1962, The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is a pioneer in advancing cultural equity in The Bronx. From our early beginnings as a presenter of affordable arts programming in select Bronx neighborhoods, we have grown into a cultural hub that serves the entire creative ecosystem of the borough.  Our programs serve artists, the public, and the field at large by building connections, providing resources, and advocating for equitable practices. Then as now, we focus on supporting the work of underrepresented groups – especially artists of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this lens we offer affordable programs for seniors and youth, and provide direct services to over 1,000 artists and 250 community-based arts groups each year.

Bronx Council on the Arts

Three-part workshop helping artists navigate contracts, copyright, fair use, and incorporation—turning ideas into legal entities.

BCA's <a href="https://www.bronxarts.org/programs/resource/artist-sustainability-workshop-series" title="https://www.bronxarts.org/programs/resource/artist-sustainability-workshop-series" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Artist Sustainability Workshop Series (ASWS</a>) returns with Protect Your Work, Build Your Business: A Legal Basics Workshop Series for Creators, led by Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. From agreements to ownership to incorporation, this three-part workshop series guides participants through the legal foundations of creative work. Designed for artists and creatives at all stages, the series offers clear, practical insights into contracts, copyright and fair use, and corporate formation—helping participants move from idea to entity with confidence. <ul><li>Workshop #1: Protect Your Work, Build Your Business: A Legal Basics Workshop Series for Creators (Contract Basics Session): Demystify contracts with 10 key things to look out for — covering payment terms, termination, liability, boilerplate provisions, and more so you can negotiate with confidence.</li></ul><ul><li>Workshop #2: Creative Business Law Essentials: Contracts, Copyright, and Corporate Formation for Creators: Learn what copyright is, what’s protectable, remedies for infringement, how fair use works, and the latest considerations around copyright in the digital and AI era.</li></ul><ul><li>Workshop #3: From Idea to Entity: Legal Foundations for Creative Work and Business: Understand LLCs vs. corporations, operating agreements, tax considerations, and how to structure your creative business in a way that supports both your art and your financial goals.</li></ul>

<h4>Katie Wagner</h4>Katie Wagner is the Executive Director of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA), which provides legal and education services to the New York arts community. She is responsible for developing VLA’s legal services, education, and advocacy programming, and facilitating pro bono legal representation for hundreds of artists and arts and cultural organizations in need each year. Prior to joining VLA, Ms. Wagner was Vice President and Counsel for the National Music Publishers’ Association, the leading trade organization representing the interests of music publishers in the United States. Ms. Wagner served as a legal advisor for the litigation and policy initiatives of the association. She also focused on NMPA’s overall litigation efforts and related licensing offerings. Ms. Wagner began her legal career in private practice, specializing in intellectual property and complex business transaction proceedings. She received her B.A. from Duke University and her J.D. from Tulane University Law School, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law.

<h4>Marcus Barahal</h4>Marcus is currently serving as a Staff Attorney at VLA. Prior to his legal career, he received a BFA in Film and Television from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2017. During and after his time at NYU, he worked on television shows on NBC, TBS, PBS, and ESPN, worked for the NBA, and directed a nightly app-based live trivia game show. He is passionate about writing and storytelling.In May 2024, Marcus obtained his Juris Doctor from the Fordham University School of Law. During his time at Fordham, he worked at the Samuelson-Glushko Intellectual Property Clinic, was a Moot Court staff member, and served as a Notes and Articles Editor for the Intellectual Property, Media, and Entertainment Law Journal.When he’s not at his desk, you can find Marcus on a basketball court in one of New York City’s many great parks, or on his couch recovering from injuries sustained on a basketball court in one of New York City’s many great parks.

<h4>Amy A. Lehman</h4>Amy was a professional ballet dancer for many years in Canada, Sweden, and the US, before returning to school to get her bachelor’s degree from NYU in theater history and dramatic literature. After graduating from NYU, she continued to work in the theater industry as an assistant producer and assistant theatrical agent, where she reviewed contracts and managed and negotiated licensing agreements for plays in the US and internationally.Having been inspired to go to law school by her desire to help other artists, she studied copyright, trademark, media law while at University of Michigan School of Law, where she served as an editor on the Journal of Race and Law, and as president of the Entertainment, Media and Arts Students Association.Amy’s relationship with VLA began as soon as she had the opportunity to volunteer her services as an attorney. Her primary practice has been general commercial litigation, including matters involving art law, media law, employment, intellectual property, constitutional law, real estate, insurance, contract disputes, torts, and as well as other disputes.Amy is a trained mediator with extensive experience working with VLA in the MediateArts program and is on the panel of mediators assigned to resolve cases for the Southern District of New York.Amy is a member of the Entertainment Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2014, 2016, 2017 and New York Metro Super Lawyers 2018 through 2024.

Opening Reception: Landscape as Witness: Lived Experience in the Bronx

BX Creatives Connect

Walnut Bar & Grill

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Protect Your Work, Build Your Business: Legal Basics Workshops for Creators

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Protect Your Work, Build Your Business: Legal Basics Workshops for Creators

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Opening Reception: Landscape as Witness: Lived Experience in the Bronx

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