We believe every artist should protect their legacy. The VLA works with estate planning attorneys familiar with the unique challenges representing an artist’s estate and dedicated to assisting artists to develop a legacy plan. It’s never too early or too late to think seriously about your legacy and to take steps that will make a difference!
Renowned abstract expressionist painter Walter Feldman (center) with artists Jessica Tam and Gabriel Sosa, recipients of the Fellowship in his name
Since 1989, the VLA has educated artists about the importance of legacy planning, from understanding how copyright law can affect their estate, to practical methods for better cataloguing and preparing their works for disposition. To further our mission, we have partnered with the Joan Mitchell Foundation, which shares our commitment to supporting artists in this process. Our collaboration with the Foundation’s Creating a Living Legacy (CALL) program has to date included the publication of two workbooks:
The Workbook for Visual Artists introduces visual artists to a variety of important estate planning issues and provides tools for artists to have meaningful discussions with loved ones, with an estate planning attorney, and with others who may participate in implementing an estate plan.
The Workbook for Attorneys & Executors provides a resource and framework for professionals already familiar with legacy planning concepts to work with artists and expand their breadth and depth of knowledge in this area.
View the Estate Planning for Visual Artists: A Workbook for Attorneys & Executors
The legal content of these workbooks was created by Megan Low, Legacy Consultant, and Jim Grace.
If you would like to work with us on any aspect of your legacy planning, the first step is applying for services.
Boston Art Review Reports on Artist Live-Work Space in Boston
The spring/summer 2022 edition of the Boston Art Review is out, and it includes a fantastic feature by Anita Morson-Matra, “Real Talk," that focuses on the state of live-work spaces for artists in Boston. Anita…
Preserving 350 Artist Spaces in Lowell
The Arts & Business Council is delighted to announce the preservation of Western Avenue | Studio & Lofts, a vibrant artist community in Lowell, Massachusetts, through purchase of the property as the next phase of…
Available Grants from Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation
Our partners at Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation have two new grant programs available to help small businesses continue to recover from the pandemic. While not all of the artists and arts organizations we work with…
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