Arts Law Centre

The Arts Law Centre is a national, independent organisation dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of Australian artists and creative professionals. Established in 1983, Arts Law provides legal advice, education, advocacy and resources to support sustainable, fair and ethical creative practice across Australia.

Working with artists at all stages of their careers, Arts Law Centre supports individuals and organisations across visual arts, music, performing arts, writing, screen, design and digital practice. Its work is grounded in access to justice, cultural equity and the belief that strong legal foundations empower creative careers.

What Arts Law Centre Does

Arts Law Centre delivers a range of specialist services designed to help artists understand their rights, navigate legal issues and build long-term resilience within the creative industries. These services include:

• Legal advice and referrals for artists and arts organisations
• Contract and copyright guidance across creative disciplines
• Dispute resolution support and legal information
• Education programs and resources on arts law and professional practice
• Advocacy and policy work to improve conditions for artists

Through these services, Arts Law helps artists make informed decisions, avoid exploitation and operate with confidence in professional settings.

Artists in the Black

A core initiative of Arts Law Centre is Artists in the Black, a dedicated service providing culturally safe legal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. The program offers:

• Free legal advice tailored to Indigenous artists
• Support around copyright, licensing and cultural rights
• Advocacy for ethical engagement with First Nations creative work

Artists in the Black plays a critical role in protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and strengthening First Nations creative leadership.

Education & Professional Development

Arts Law Centre delivers workshops, talks and accessible resources that help artists and arts workers understand legal and business fundamentals. These programs cover topics such as:

• Copyright and moral rights
• Contracts and negotiations
• Licensing and commissions
• Business structures and professional practice

Education initiatives are designed to be practical, clear and relevant — supporting artists to build sustainable careers with confidence.

Advocacy for the Arts

Arts Law actively contributes to policy discussions and advocacy efforts that affect artists’ rights and working conditions. This includes:

• Research and submissions on copyright and cultural policy
• Advocacy for fair pay and ethical practice
• Collaboration with arts and legal organisations nationally

By amplifying artists’ voices, Arts Law works to improve legal frameworks and industry standards across Australia’s creative sectors.

Why Arts Law Centre Matters

• Independent legal support for artists and creative professionals
• Over 40 years of experience in arts-specific legal issues
• National reach across all creative disciplines
• Dedicated support for First Nations artists through Artists in the Black
• Trusted education, advocacy and policy leadership

Connect with Arts Law

Artists, arts workers and organisations can access legal support, education and resources via the Arts Law Centre website.