What Legal Implications Should a Small Arts Organisation Consider? Interview with Legal Intern Audrey Sop

This summer we recruited two Law student interns from the University of Birmingham to help us develop policies, create contracts, and learn how to protect our artists work. Like many small arts organisations, we have not always received comprehensive support when it comes to legal matters. Our interns Amy Green and Audrey Sop have been invaluable. We asked Audrey to share some of the takeaways from her internship and to provide some advice for other organisations like our own. 

What is your role at Bertz Associates and what projects have you worked on?

I work as a legal intern. As a young person with legal knowledge, I believe that my unique perspectives and insights benefit those around me. My legal knowledge and expertise enables me to provide valuable guidance and advice to those who may be navigating the legal system for the first time and my studies have sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills. I have a broad perspective that I can bring to bear on any task or project that I undertake.

So far, I have created contract templates for several practitioners who will work for the company. These templates ensure that Bertz Associates will be able to create contracts that are legally sound and that protect all parties going forward. I have also analysed several existing contracts and written a report on my findings. In this report, I recommended some changes and identified potential risks that the company should be aware of. For example, I recommended that they change some of the language that they used. Finally, I have created a photography consent form and a license grant to be used for the company's film projects. These documents were created to protect the company's intellectual property and to ensure that all necessary permissions have been obtained. 

What challenges or surprises have you discovered whilst working for a small arts organisation?

Small organisations inevitably have less resources than others. However, the environment fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration that is not always present in larger organisations. It also provides opportunities to wear many different hats and take on a variety of tasks. This gave me a greater sense of ownership and made me feel more involved in the organisations, whilst also providing me with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. It is definitely a fulfilling and rewarding experience!

What legal elements do you think other small arts organisations need to consider? 

I think that it is important for small arts organisations to be vigilant when it comes to the protection of their intellectual property. This is especially true when they are presented with the opportunity to work with larger corporations, as these companies may have more resources and knowledge to potentially infringe upon the intellectual property of others. In order to ensure the protection of their intellectual property, individuals and companies should consider implementing strong contracts and agreements that outline the ownership and permitted use of their intellectual property. 

Correction 19/06/23: In the first publication of this article the interview was wrongly accredited to Amy Green.