Archive of Henry Lydiate‘s Artlaw column, published in Art Monthly since 1976. Have a legal question about your career? Check our Directory or send us a legal query.
Can the body commissioning an artwork subsequently terminate the agreement?
Invariably when undertaking a public commission you should have a written agreement with the commissioning body before you undertake any work. Unless the agreement specifically addresses the possibility of the…
How do I get permission to use copyrighted material (film, photography, literature, music etc)?
Normal practice for artists wishing to use copyright protected material in their own new works is to write to the copyright owner, explain what the new work…
What counts as an affordable rent?
An ‘affordable studio provider’ is an organisation managing buildings (or parts of buildings), providing affordable studio spaces. An affordable rent is usually considered one third of the open market rent.
What if I want to include information about other people in my artwork?
You need to be aware of and observe the requirements of both the UK’s confidentiality laws (enshrined in, amongst others, Articles 8 and 12 of the Human…
What kinds of contract might I be expected to sign when taking on a property?
When signing any document it is essential that you understand its contents. The written agreement which you enter into for “renting” your studio will either…
What should I do if a commission is rejected after it has been completed?
Artists sometimes find that a commissioned work – either public or private – is rejected after the commission has taken place. Ideally, a commission contract should…