Course Catalog
Law Fundamentals for Arts Managers
93-831
Units: 6
Description
Law Fundamentals for Arts Managers is an investigation of specific legal rights and responsibilities (contractual and otherwise) in the arts and entertainment industries, including visual and performing arts and emerging areas such as multimedia art. The foundation for all activities in the arts is the contract. Accordingly, you will study contract law that will provide a clearer understanding of the requirements that must be met before a valid contract comes into existence. Contract interpretation and enforcement will also be addressed. In addition to contract law, we will also discuss agency law, corporate, partnership and limited liability company law, personal and real property law, intellectual property law (copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, rights of publicity, moral rights) and other laws specifically affecting the entertainment industries. Finally, typical performing arts contracts and contractual provisions will be reviewed and the concepts discussed in other parts of the class, as applied to those contracts, will be analyzed.
Learning Outcomes
● Have a general understanding of the US legal system and sources of law.
● Be familiar with the different types of legal entities and their application to artistic ventures, such
as nonprofits and for-profit enterprises.
● Learn to Identify, issue spot, and consider options for resolution of potential legal issues in arts
management, including answering the key question “when do I need a lawyer?”
● Recognize and learn to employ vocabulary relating to legal topics in arts management.
● Develop an appreciation for the environment and legal protections around intellectual property.
● Learn how to negotiate, create and enforce a binding agreement.
Prerequisites Description
N/A