FTM Arts Law, In the Spotlight

In addition to keeping their clients in the spotlight, FTM Arts Law attorneys and staff get to take center stage themselves every now and then. They are frequently booked as speakers and panelists at national and international arts conferences, conventions, and festivals, as well as interviewed for nationally broadcast programs, featured on educational webinars and distance learning programs, and asked to serve as lecturers at major colleges, universities, and arts fellowship programs. Here's a list of some of their upcoming engagements. (Please note that while almost all are open to the public, some may require fees or advance registration. Links are provided for further information, or feel free to contact us directly.)

Washingtonian magazine has named Brian Taylor Goldstein to its 2011 list of Washington's Best Lawyers. Brian was named as one of the "Stars of the Bar" in the area of Performing Arts and Entertainment and was recognized as among the top 10 "dealmakers" who "represent authors, athletes, and other clients in media and the arts." The Washingtonian's annual "Best Lawyers" list highlights "the very best in legal talent" within the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Winner of the 2010 Yates Award for Arts Advocacy
FTM ARTS LAW was selected for the award in recognition of its successful advocacy efforts to improve the process by which foreign artists and performers obtain visas and work authorization to enter the United States; its acclaimed workshops and seminars proving basic legal knowledge and business skills to artists and arts professionals; and the fundamental impact of its work on the arts industry.
Click here to read more about it.

♦ January 7 - 9, 2012
Association of Performing Arts Presenters, National Conference
New York City

From January 7 - 9, 2010, Brian, Jonathan, Andi and Robyn will be conducting seminars and workshops, as well as providing private consultations for conference attendees. Seminars include: Contractual Mysteries Revealed, How To Stop Ripping Each Other Off!, 10 Business Concepts You Think You Already Know, Foreign Artist Tax Witholding—Not!, and Visas: Tips, Trends & Updates.

For a complete schedule and additional information, visit www.apapconference.org

♦ November 7 - 8, 2011
ArtsMarket
Durham, North Carolina

On November 7, 2011 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a workshop entitled The Art of the Relationship: Using Contracts Creatively to Increase Productivity and Reduce Stress! The performing arts industry, unlike most others, is based as much on nurturing relationships in a positive artistic environment as much as it is on deals and opportunities. Both artistic and commercial success depends on each party addressing its legitimate needs, issues, and concerns in an open, honest, and positive manner. The most important tool in accomplishing this is the written contract. And yet, written contracts are too often relegated to the bottom of the to-do list: relying on inapplicable and overly simplistic forms, inarticulate and overly complicated boilerplate, randomly generated riders and templates, or simply ignored altogether. This session will cover the basic elements of contracts, as well as how to use contracts to strengthen relationships, manage risk, and maximize opportunities for successful performances, tours, and collaborative projects. Attendees will learn: (1) What constitutes an enforceable contract (both oral and written); (2) what does "enforcement" mean?; (3) Important negotiation considerations, including a checklist of issues to be discussed as part of every deal; (4) Basic contract terms, including licensing, rights and permissions; cancellation; exclusivity; and (5) Sample language. In addition, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be available to conference attendees on November 8 for free private consultations by appointment. To schedule an appointment, send an email to arts@ftmartslaw-pc.com. Write "ArtsMarket Consultation" in the subject line, indicate your topic and preferred time, and we will contact you to confirm the time and place with you.

For additional information, visit www.ncpresenters.org

♦ November 5 - 6, 2011
Canadian Arts Presenting Association Annual Conference
Toronto, Canada

On November 5, 2011 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm, Robyn Guilliams will be speaking on a panel entitled USA Visas and Taxes for Foreign Artists. This discussion will take the confusion and frustration out of the process of touring the USA and provide you with key terms and basic knowledge of the visa, withholding and taxation requirements for foreign artists working in the USA.

In addition, Robyn Guilliams will be available to conference attendees on September 6 from 9:00am - 11:00am for free private consultations, as well as available during the conference by appointment. To schedule an appointment, send an email to arts@ftmartslaw-pc.com. Write "CAPA Consultation" in the subject line, indicate your topic and preferred time, and we will contact you to confirm the time and place with you.

For additional information, visit www.capacoa.ca/en/conference/about-conference

♦ October 28, 2011
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts/Legal and Business Bootcamp
New York City

On October 28, 2011 from 10:00am 5:00pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be leading a workshop in basic contract concepts for artists as part of VLA's highly acclaimed, all-day intensive workshop about the legal and business issues that affect individual artists and individuals within arts and cultural institutions who make and work in film, music, and interactive media.

For additional information, visit www.vlany.org

♦ October 17 - 18, 2011
Arts Northwest Conference
Eugene, Oregon

On October 17, 2011, from 12:30pm - 3:30pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a workshop entitled Contract Basics: The Art of the Relationship. The performing arts industry, unlike most others, is based as much on nurturing relationships in a positive artistic environment as much as it is on deals and opportunities. Both artistic and commercial success depends on each party addressing its legitimate needs, issues, and concerns in an open, honest, and positive manner. The most important tool in accomplishing this is the written contract. And yet, written contracts are too often relegated to the bottom of the to-do list: relying on inapplicable and overly simplistic forms, inarticulate and overly complicated boilerplate, randomly generated riders and templates, or simply ignored altogether. This session will cover the basic elements of contracts, as well as how to use contracts to strengthen relationships, manage risk, and maximize opportunities for successful performances, tours, and collaborative projects. Attendees will learn: (1) What constitutes an enforceable contract (both oral and written); (2) what does "enforcement" mean?; (3) Important negotiation considerations, including a checklist of issues to be discussed as part of every deal; (4) Basic contract terms, including licensing, rights and permissions; cancellation; exclusivity; and (5) Sample language.

On October 18, 2011, from 9:00am - 10:30am, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a workshop entitled The Magical Arts Law Laboratory. The arts face the same legal and business challenges as any other business, but getting the answers and clarifications you need can be challenging and frustrating. Languish no more! From contracts, copyrights and licensing, to visas and taxes, to profit and non-profit organization, practices, and management, bring your questions, concerns, quandaries, and consternations to this lively forum, get important updates, and watch in amazement as you leave entertained, enlightened, and empowered.

In addition, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be available to conference attendees on September 17 and 18 for free private consultations by appointment. To schedule an appointment, send an email to arts@ftmartslaw-pc.com. Write "Arts Northwest Consultation" in the subject line, indicate your topic and preferred time, and we will contact you to confirm the time and place with you.

For additional information, visit www.artsnw.org

♦ September 9 - 10, 2011
Midwest Arts Conference
Minneapolis, Minnesota

On September 9, 2011, from 8:00am - 9:00am, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be leading a roundtable discussion entitled The Magical Legal Laboratory. The arts face the same legal and business challenges as any other business, but getting the answers and clarifications you need can be challenging and frustrating. Languish no more! From contracts, copyrights and licensing, to visas and taxes, to profit and non-profit organization, practices, and management, bring your questions, concerns, quandaries, and consternations to this lively forum, get important updates, and watch in amazement as you leave entertained, enlightened, and empowered.

On September 10, 2011, from 9:45am - 11:00am, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a workshop entitled I Need Permission For That? What You Need To Know About Copyrights and Licenses. Whether you are seeking to protect your own creations or seeking to use, perform, promote, or present the images, recordings, names, words, designs, or works of others, understanding rights and permissions, and how to obtain them, is essential for artists, managers, agents, and presenters. New media and technologies, along with the ease of copying materials from the Internet, have made this area even more complex. This workshop will cover basic concepts and practical considerations in the areas of copyright protection, rights management, and licensing, as well as address common misunderstandings about public domain and fair use.

In addition, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be available to conference attendees on September 9 and 10 for free private consultations by appointment. To schedule an appointment, send an email to arts@ftmartslaw-pc.com. Write "Arts Midwest Consultation" in the subject line, indicate your topic and preferred time, and we will contact you to confirm the time and place with you.

For additional information, visit www.artsmidwest.org

♦ August 30 - September 2, 2011
Western Arts Alliance National Conference
Seattle, Washington

On August 30, 2011 from 9:30am - 12:30pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a Pre-Conference Workshop entitled Navigating a World of Trouble: Overcoming the Legal Challenges of Presenting and Touring Foreign Artists in the U.S. While presenting and touring foreign artists in the United States brings many rewards, it also entails overcoming often enormous logistical challenges and risks. Booking the tour and selling tickets is only half the battle. There are not only visas and taxes to consider, but acts of God as well as the bureaucratic acts of man. Distinguishing accurate information from erroneous myths and rumors is critical for agents, managers, and presenters involved in the touring and presenting of foreign artists. In a lively session that will focus on current developments and practical skills, attendees will learn: basic visa concepts and procedures; basic tax obligations of foreign artists; contractual concepts such as force majeur and acts of god; insurance available for foreign tours and performers; suggested planning and procedural timelines; and resources for further enlightenment.

In addition, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be available to conference attendees on September 1 from 4:15pm - 5:15pm for free private consultations, as well as available throughout the conference by appointment. To schedule an appointment, send an email to arts@ftmartslaw-pc.com. Write "WAA Consultation" in the subject line, indicate your topic and preferred time, and we will contact you to confirm the time and place with you.

For additional information, visit www.westarts.org

♦ January 7 - 11 , 2011
Association of Performing Arts Presenters, National Conference
New York City

From January 7 - 11, 2011, Brian, Jonathan, Andi and Robyn will be conducting seminars and workshops, as well as providing private consultations for conference attendees.

For a complete schedule and additional information, visit www.apapconference.org

♦ October 22, 2010
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts/Legal and Business Bootcamp
New York City

On October 22, 2010 from 10:00am 5:00pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be leading a workshop in basic contract concepts for artists as part of VLA's highly acclaimed, all-day intensive workshop about the legal and business issues that affect individual artists and individuals within arts cultural institutions who make and work in film, music and interactive media.

For additional information, visit www.vlany.org

♦ October 15 - 16, 2010
Arts Northwest Conference
Seattle, Washington

On October 15, 2010, from 10:00am - 11:45am, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a workshop entitled Spoiler Alert! The Mysteries of Foreign Artist Taxation Revealed! If obtaining U.S. visas for foreign artists and performers was not challenging enough, presenters, managers/agents, and artists must also comply with applicable federal and state taxes imposed on foreign performers. It's maddening! It's confusing! It's boring! It's unfair! But it can also be comprehensible...if you know the basic secrets and concepts. Brian will disperse the clouds of mystery and confusion, providing you with basic concepts and practical considerations in a way that makes them both accessible and understandable to artists, presenters, and managers alike. He will cover such important areas as withholding exemptions, obtaining social security numbers and taxpayer identification numbers, foreign non-profits, and IRS central withholding agreements, as well as address your specific questions and concerns in an open forum that will leave you informed and begging for more!

On October 16, 2010, from 8:30am - 10:00am, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a workshop entitled 10 Things I Hate About You: Avoiding Common Legal Mistakes. Brian will be sharing his list of the top ten most common mistakes and misunderstanding that continue to confound and confuse artists, managers, agents, and presenters. Let Brian provide you with the tools you need to simplify your life and make you a more effective arts professional. He will cover such important areas as contracts, copyrights, and visas, as well as address your specific questions and concerns in an open forum that will leave you entertained, enlightened, empowered...and loved!

In addition, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be available to conference attendees for free private consultations on October 15, 2010 from 10:00am - 11:45am and on October 16, 2010 from 10:30am - 11:45am, as well as by appointment throughout the conference.

For additional information, visit www.artsnw.org

♦ September 14 - 16, 2010
Midwest Arts Conference
Indianapolis, Indiana

On September 15, 2010, from 8:00am - 9:00am, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be leading a roundtable discussion entitled The Magical Legal Laboratory. The arts face the same legal and business challenges as any other business, but getting the answers and clarifications you need can be challenging and frustrating. Languish no more! From contracts, copyrights and licensing, to visas and taxes, to profit and non-profit organization, practices, and management, bring your questions, concerns, quandaries, and consternations to this lively forum, get important updates, and watch in amazement as you leave entertained, enlightened, and empowered.

On September 16, 2010, from 9:15am - 10:45am, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting a workshop entitled Who Have You Been Sleeping With? Understanding Legal Relationships in the Arts. When you book an artist, are you hiring the artist or the manager? When you represent an artist, who is the "client"? What does it really mean to be an "agent"? When is someone an independent contractor or an employee? Who really should be getting a 1099? These issues impact everything from contract liability to tax obligations to licensing to ethical duties and should be understood by artists, presenters, and managers/agents alike. This session promises to pull back the sheets and reveal all!

In addition, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be available to conference attendees for free private consultations on September 15, 2010 between 9:30am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 4:00pm, as well as by appointment throughout the conference.

For additional information, visit www.artsmidwest.org

♦ April 21, 2010
Professional Development Opportunity: Upcoming OPERA America Webcast

OPERA America's next webcast, Visa Processing for Foreign Guest Artists, will be held on April 21 at 1:00 p.m. EST. The opera industry has recently seen delays and problems in visa processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), underscoring the risk that foreign guest artists will be unable to enter the country in time for their rehearsals and performances. Join us to hear from attorney Jonathan Ginsburg and Andi Floyd of FTM Arts Law as they share timely advice and best practices for assembling petitions that will increase your chances of petition approval. Ginsburg is considered one of the top immigration attorneys in the U.S. for foreign guest artists. He co-authored the Artist From Abroad Web site, and has conducted numerous presentations and training sessions across the country on visa processing. Andi Floyd of FTM Arts Law will also participate. Please e-mail MFeilotter@operaamerica.org with questions or to register – please be aware that the webcast can only be viewed by a fixed number of members at a time and the list fills quickly.

Visit operaamerica.org to learn more.

♦ April 17 - April 25, 2010
International Artist Managers Conference
Cite de la Musique
Paris, France

Brian Taylor Goldstein, who serves as the US Legal Advisor for IAMA, may be providing private consultations for conference attendees on visas, taxes, and other issues pertaining to foreign artists who wish to tour and perform in the United States.... if he can get to Paris.

Brian will be Tweeting from, or about, Paris or perhaps on the subject of volcanos.

♦ April 12, 2010
"A Musicians Legal Toolkit"
New York City

Entertainment law expert, Brian Taylor Goldstein, Esq., will lead Chamber Music Americas next First Tuesdays free professional development workshop, A Musicians Legal Toolkit. To avoid conflict with the spring holidays, this First Tuesday seminar will take place on Monday, April 12, 2010, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Saint Peter's Church, 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street in Manhattan.

The seminar is presented in collaboration with St. Peters Church and the Midtown Arts Common and is designed for professional jazz and classical musicians, as well as presenters in the small ensemble field, who want to brush up on basic legal concepts and practical considerations in such areas as contracts, copyrights, licensing, business structures, and visas for foreign artists. Mr. Goldstein will take questions and lead the discussion. Seating is limited; reservations are required.

R.S.V.P. to Marc Giosi, program associate, (212) 242-2022, ext. 14, mgiosi@chamber-music.org.

♦ January 9 – 11, 2010
Association of Performing Arts Presenters, National Conference
New York City

From January 9 – 11, 2010, Brian, Jonathan, Andi and Robyn will be conducting seminars and workshops, as well as providing private consultations for conference attendees. Seminars include: Visas: Tips, Trends and Updates (Two hours devoted to the newest developments in petitions and visas, tips to help you maintain your sanity and trends to embrace or avoid. A must for agents, managers and producers with foreign artists); O and P Visa Petitions: 101 (Introductory course to the nuts and bolts of the O and P petitions--emphasis on the nuts); Top Ten Things I Hate About You (Top ten legal mistakes everyone makes and how to avoid and/or correct them); Fair to Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Infringement (All you need to know about fair use and other aspects of copyright law);and Central Withholding Agreements: 101 (CWAs are your friends. Exorbitant taxes and withholding are not.)

In addition, Brian will be co-presenting a discussion on performance and booking cancellations entitled If I Cancel Tonight, Will You Love Me In The Morning with NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents) and co-presenting a discussion on the impact of new technologies on artists and presenters entitled Arts/Tech/Law: Sound Advice on Navigating the New Creative Environment with the Future of Music Coalition.

For a complete schedule and additional information, visit www.apapconference.org

♦ September 25, 2009
Southern Arts Conference/Performing Arts Exchange
Norfolk, Virginia

On September 25, 2009 from 3:00 - 4:30pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein joins a panel discussion on "Federal Taxation on Foreign Artists." This discussion will present an overview of practical information and recent updates and strategies regarding compliance and procedures; from international treaties and Central Withholding Agreements all the way to filing income tax returns.

For additional information, visit www.southarts.org

♦ September 10 – 12, 2009
Midwest Arts Conference, Annual Conference
St. Paul, Minnesota

Brian Taylor Goldstein will be presenting workshops and hosting roundtable discussions on legal issues and concerns important to the performing arts community. Check back for Brian's specific schedule. Throughout the conference, Brian will also be providing free legal consultations to attendees of the Midwest Arts Conference. Check back for further details and Brian's specific schedule.

For additional information, visit www.www.artsmidwest.org

♦ September 4, 2009
Western Arts Alliance National Conference
Phoenix, Arizona

On September 4, 2009, Robyn Guilliams joins a panel discussion on "Federal Taxation on Foreign Artists." This discussion will present an overview of practical information and recent updates and strategies regarding compliance and procedures; from international treaties and Central Withholding Agreements all the way to filing income tax returns.

For additional information, visit www.westarts.org

♦ June 16, 2009
League of Historic American Theaters, National Conference
Wyndham Cleveland at Playhouse Square
Cleveland, Ohio

On June 16, 2009, from 9:45am - 11:00am and again from 11:15am - 12:30pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein will be joining a panel of experts to present a discussion entitled "Raising the Curtain on Contracts." This discussion will discuss basic contractual concepts and challenges facing managers, agents, and presenters when booking performances.

For additional information, visit www.lhat.org

♦ June 12, 2009
Boston Early Music Festival
Boston, MA

On June 12, 2009, from 1pm to 2:30pm, Robyn Guilliams will lead a workshop entitled "Understanding Tax Filing Requirements and Visa Application Procedures for Non-US Artists" where she will discuss basic concepts and legal issues involved in bringing foreign performers to the United States.

For additional information, visit www.bemf.org

♦ June 5, 2009
American Immigration Lawyers Annual Conference
Palazzo/Venetian Conference Center
Las Vegas, Nevada

On June 5, 2009, from 3:55pm - 5:00pm, Jonathan Ginsburg will moderate a panel of legal experts entitled "You Don't Have to Be a Star Baby: Artists, Entertainers & Performers." This panel will discuss O and P visas for artists, entertainers and performers, as well as challenges, recent changes in the law, and strategies for successful petitions.

For additional information, visit www.aila.org

♦ June 3, 2009
Theatre Communications Group National Pre-Conference
Harmon Center for the Arts
Washington, DC

On June 3, 2009, from 10:30am - 12:00pm, Brian Taylor Goldstein joins a panel of experts to present a discussion entitled "Bridging Cultural Exchange and Diversity." This discussion will introduce and demystify the steps necessary for successful international collaborations. Topics to be explored include: Visas/Taxation for International Collaborators; Identifying Partners/Resources; and Gauging and Engaging Your Audience. Other panelists include Patrick M. Madden, president & CEO of Sister Cities International, Bll Reichblum, founder/CEO of Kadmus Arts, and Pennie Ojeda, Director of International Activities for the National Endowment for the Arts. Later that afternoon, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Brian will be participating in a think tank of national and international experts discussing cultural exchange opportunities and challenges in the arts.

For additional information, visit www.tcg.org

♦ May 2, 2009
Opera America, National Conference
Houston, Texas

On May 2, 2009 from 1:45pm - 3:00pm, Robyn Guilliams will participate in a panel discussion entitled "Mastering Foreign Artist Basics" where they will discuss everything you need to know about visas and taxes in 75 minutes!

For additional information, visit www.operamerica.org