11/18/10

President's Message: Thanks for Giving

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the end of the year close at hand, it is once again time to reflect on the year's accomplishments, to give thanks and t0 count blessings.

WALA has been quite fortunate: in a year filled with economic challenges, we are still open for business. This has been no easy feat. Legal services and arts organizations alike have struggled to operate amidst significant financial shortfalls. Like our sister organizations, WALA has not gone unscathed. We face a unique challenge in making the case that an organization that is BOTH a legal services and arts organization merits financial support.

The one reason that we have kept our doors open this year: your support. I am deeply thankful for the countless hours our volunteer attorneys have given for artists and arts organizations who could not afford legal representation -- without you, many of our community's artists would be without legal assistance in a time when it is needed most. I am thankful for our committee members and long-standing supporters, who enabled WALA to continue its many educational programs, clinics and events. I am also deeply grateful for our staff, without whose dedication we would never have kept our doors open. In short, WALA's strong and supportive community has ensured its survival.

To recognize the commitment of our community that we are gathering to give thanks this evening and celebrate. We do say YES! to pro bono and I hope you will join us. While the event is free, we ask you to consider building upon your community support of WALA with a financial contribution to support our operations. I ask you to do this on behalf of WALA's dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly this year, determined to ensure each artist and arts organization in need was matched with the legal resources and education it needed.

If you cannot join us this evening, please offer your support and look for our year end letter in the weeks ahead summarizing our accomplishments and share your enthusiasm for WALA by inviting friends and family to become members and support us. We would like to ensure the future of our organization and the welfare of our creative community for years to come. We have great ideas to increase our impact in our community. To accomplish our goal, we need your support.

Much thanks to you for giving your time, your money and your support.

11/5/10

WALA Needs You! Fall 2010 Campaign

Dear Supporter,

Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA) has played a critical role in helping the creative community meet its legal needs for over 25 years. Now, WALA needs you.

The demand for WALA’s services is on the rise as the ongoing economic rollercoaster has uniquely challenged the creative community. Creatives, frequently working as independent contractors, have faced significant revenue declines with little or no financial net. The hard-hit media and publishing industries—the largest sectors of the DC creative community—have made dramatic cutbacks, impacting the livelihood of thousands of writers and technical artists. Likewise, many performing arts companies and other arts organizations have suffered debilitating financial setbacks with dwindling grant support and donations. According to the 2010 Creative Capital: The Creative DC Action Agenda report, arts funding experienced a 20-million dollar decline last year. Government funding is also reduced: reports indicate that the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities budget will face a 10% reduction in FY2011—a decrease for the third consecutive year—representing a half million dollar loss in support for the creative community. Compounding the impact of these precipitous revenue decreases: DC commercial real estate is now the most expensive in the nation, meaning that affordable artist workspace and boutique business space is increasingly scarce. There is a silver lining . . . .

Thanks to the generous support of Hunton & Williams, the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts is hosting an exclusive happy hour event, "Say YES To Pro Bono!" in honor of the attorneys and firms that make our pro bono work possible. Come by and meet the new WALA Executive Director, L. Michael Gipson. He can't wait to meet you and hear your vision for WALA 2011!

As we are in the middle of our autumn/winter fundraising season, we are humbly requesting tax-deductible donations of $50 or more for this event. With limited space available, please RSVP by securing tickets through Eventbrite. You can also get directions by clicking the image above. We look forward to your joining the libations and festivities!

10/26/10

Copyright Basics Workshop ~ October 27 @ 7PM @ Finnegan

Interested in learning about copyrights?

Do you have a creative work that you want to copyright?

Come learn about the basics of copyright at this presentation and Q & A session.

October 27 - 7 pm
Copyright Basics Workshop at Finnegan

It's not too late to sign up: Click here.

10/4/10

WALA Workshops @ Artisphere + Check out Artisphere's Calendar for Oct. & Nov.

Click here for the Artisphere brochure (w/WALA Workshops listed).

Click here for just WALA workshops.

10/3/10

Music, Music, Music !

10/10/10 at the Artisphere

IBIS will take part in the grand opening festivities for Arlington's newest
(and coolest) arts venue: The Artisphere.

We will be performing for their open house on Sunday, October 10, around 7 pm.

Sunday, October 17 at 2 pm

IBIS at the BELMONT MANSION

We couldn't be more excited about this! This spectacularly beautiful room will host
a concert of music by Still, Gershwin, Mozart and Francaix.
Champagne reception to follow.

National Headquarters of the Order of the Eastern Star
1618 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington DC

Tickets $25

Available from the Belmont Mansion: (202)667-4737
or email susan@ibischambermusic.org

The proceeds will benefit the MusicLink Foundation, an organization that
promotes music education for underserved children.

Future of Music Coalition POLICY SUMMIT in DC through October 5th

Future of Music Policy Summit 2010

from http://futureofmusic.org/events/future-music-policy-summit-2010

In ten years of fighting for musicians, Future of Music Coalition has witnessed tremendous changes in the music ecosystem — from disruptions in traditional business models to alternative revenue streams for creators. Throughout our history, FMC has been guided by the conviction that musicians need access to audiences and adequate compensation to truly thrive.
The 10th Anniversary Future of Music Policy Summit puts the focus where it belongs: on the artists who are the very reason for our existence. It is the talent and creativity of musicians, songwriters and composers that bring clarity and focus to the pressing issues facing the entire music community.

The 10th Anniversary Future of Music Policy Summit brings together an incredible array of musicians, arts advocates, policymakers, technologists, media representatives and industry figures to discuss issues at the intersection of music, technology, policy and law. Over three days, connections will be made, challenges will be identified, and solutions will be considered. Your participation in these conversations is crucial to the future of music.

WALA!