Artists in the Black Workshops
Robyn Ayres* and Samantha Joseph* spent 2 weeks in regional WA. The aim of the trip was to increase access to legal advice and information on arts related matters for Indigenous artists and their organisations. Robyn and Samantha provided workshops to Aboriginal artists, students, CDEP participants, art centre administrators, and employees of Indigenous organisations and government agencies. Workshops were held in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Roebourne, Port and South Hedland, Newman and Parrngurr. A workshop was also held in Roebourne prison, the second largest prison in Western Australia where 95% of the prisoners are Aboriginal. We were rewarded by an unexpected level of enthusiasm and appreciation from both the prisoners and the prison education officer.
Through the support of DADAA WA (Disability in the Arts Disadvantage in the Arts WA) and Arts WA, Arts Law was able to visit Parrngurr, a Mardu community of the western desert. We had to stretch our creative skills when the interpreter was unable to attend. Nevertheless, through perseverance and pictures, we got our message across and were privileged to have one of the elders share with us his peoples’ cultural perspectives in relation to copyright and the unauthorised reproduction of Indigenous artwork. This first Artists in the Black trip was definitely a two way learning experience.
The trip was sponsored by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection (DOCEP) and Arts Law would also like to acknowledge the support of Tammy Solenec, the Indigenous Education Officer at DOCEP, Gabrielle Sullivan of Arts WA and Carol Innes and Barry McGuire of Artists Mob, Arts Source.
Perth Arts Law Week
Also in September, Sally Hanson* spent an intensive week in Perth, in association with artsource, providing workshops to Indigenous and non Indigenous creators.
The week started with a well-attended three-hour seminar for the Indigenous arts community as part of Arts Law’s Artists in the Black project. This was followed the next day by a writer’s advice session and a “Writers’ and the Law” seminar, both of which were supported by the WA State Literature Centre. Those attending included lawyers and representatives of publishers, as well as writers. Particular attention was given to analysing and discussing the terms of traditional and online publishing agreements.
Wednesday was devoted to filmmakers. The day included a seminar/workshop on “Filmmakers and the Law”, and subsequent individual filmmaker advice sessions, all held at the Film & Television Institute WA’s (FTI’s) premises (and cinema) in Fremantle. Copyright and licensing in theory and in practice was discussed, and emphasis was given to copyright clearance issues, traditional and online methods of film distribution, and festival entry terms.
Thursday was visual artists day, again held in association with artsource. Two seminars were given, one on copyright and moral rights, and the other on contracts and licensing. After the seminars/workshops, individual advice sessions were again made available with a lengthy queue forming for this service!
Performers received special attention on the last day. On Friday morning, there was a lively discussion attended by most staff of the Perth International Arts Festival, which is part of the University of Western Australia. There was also a formal presentation relating to the law behind festival activity and practice, which included copyright, moral rights, performers’ rights, and copyright clearances.
The week concluded with a seminar and workshop on dancers’ and performers’ rights, supported by Ausdance WA, which looked especially at legal issues for choreographers and dance company administrators.
The response from artists and arts organisations throughout the week was enthusiastic, with many asking when Arts Law would be in the west again!
