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.
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 should I be aware of when working with public or private commissioners?
When working with either public or private commissioners, it is important to have a good working relationship and a sound contract or letter of agreement clearly stating…
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…