Art and Law have a surprisingly intimate relationship. Each relies heavily on past precedent, while embracing novel ideas and expressions of both simple ideas and complex ideas. Courts and judges are charged with both preserving precedent and embracing new developments with equal vigor. Museums are similarly charged with preserving past creations and providing the necessary resources for the display and preservation of new expressions and creations.
Museums confront hurdles of all sizes and in all phases of daily operation. Issues concerning intellectual property use, intellectual property creation and intellectual property protection, accession and deaccession, employment, donor relations, charitable giving, operational structure, web-site integration, licenses, taxes, restitution cases, financing strategies, preservation, restoration, gifting and ethics appear routinely. the goal of this blog is to help provide a resource for Museum directors, trustees, counsel, employees patrons and general enthusiasts to obtain timely legal information and developments specifically directed at Museums.
A love for Art and Museums has directed my professional career, uniquely positioning me in the Art Law filed. My legal practice places a heavy focus on Art Law and Museum Law. As a partner at Prince, Lobel, Glovsky & Tye, LLP in Boston, Massachusetts, my practice involves the representation of Museums, Museum boards, trustees, directors/curators, donors, artists, galleries and other members of the art world. I have had the privilege of working with people and institutions throughout the country. I have been involved in the drafting of legislation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts concerning a dramatic revision of Chapter 104A, the Consignment of Art law of Massachusetts. Additionally, I am involved in a collaboration of art organizations in drafting proposed recommendations to the United States House of Representatives concerning the recently introduced Orphan Works Act of 2008.
Complimenting my legal practice, I am privileged to instruct a course at Boston University to talented masters candidates for an Art Administration Masters Degree. As many graduates elect to work in the field of Museums, both my class research and students help provide unique insight into modern issues facing Museums throughout the world.
For those of my readers proficient or conversant in Museum law,I am hopeful that this blog serves to compliment your knowledge. For those of my readers new to this area, I am hopeful that this blog serves to pique your interest in this essential and exciting area of law.
Thank you for reading!
