32. Refuwe Thubela: LASA is Here To Advocate for Artists Over Everything

Unlocking Artist Rights with LASA | The Film Biz Show
Welcome to The Film Biz Show! 🎬 In this episode, we delve into how Lawyers for the Arts South Africa (LASA) are transforming the creative landscape by providing free legal and business support to artists. Learn how LASA helps with intellectual property rights, contract negotiations, and much more. Don’t miss out on this crucial conversation for every artist!
LASA, or Lawyers for the Arts South Africa, offers invaluable services to the creative community. Founded in 2020 by Lerato Moloi and her friends, LASA was established to address the exploitation and legal challenges faced by many artists in South Africa. They provide support with intellectual property rights, helping artists protect their work through copyrights, patents, and trademarks. LASA also assists with contract negotiations, ensuring fair deals for artists, and offers business development support to help artists navigate financial management and tax implications. As a non-profit, LASA partners with law firms like Bowmans to provide these services pro bono.
Key Highlights:
Intellectual Property Advisory: Protecting creative work is crucial for artists. LASA offers comprehensive IP advisory services, covering copyrights, patents, and trademarks. They ensure artists understand their rights and how to safeguard their creations from infringement.
Contract Negotiations: Navigating the complexities of contracts can be daunting. LASA assists artists in understanding and negotiating contracts, ensuring they get fair deals and avoid potential pitfalls. This is vital for artists who may not have the legal expertise to decipher complex legal jargon.
Business Development Support: Beyond legal services, LASA helps artists with business development. This includes creating business plans, understanding tax implications, and offering guidance on financial management. This holistic approach ensures artists are not only legally protected but also financially savvy.
Pro Bono Commitment: One of the standout aspects of LASA is their commitment to offering pro bono services. Partnering with esteemed law firms like Bowmans, LASA ensures that artists receive high-quality legal assistance without the burden of hefty fees. This commitment underscores their dedication to supporting the creative community and advocating for artists' rights.
Challenges Faced by Artists:
The episode also sheds light on the numerous challenges that artists encounter. Many artists struggle with financial management and legal complexities, high taxes for freelancers, and exploitation within the industry. LASA is at the forefront of addressing these issues, providing much-needed support and guidance to help artists navigate their careers more effectively. By educating artists on their rights and offering practical support, LASA empowers them to take control of their careers and thrive in the creative industry.
Future Goals:
Looking ahead, LASA aims to expand their business development wing, offering even more comprehensive support to artists. Their goal is to educate artists on managing their careers and finances, helping them avoid common pitfalls and achieve long-term success. This forward-thinking approach ensures that LASA continues to be a vital resource for the creative community, adapting to the evolving needs of artists and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
Join the Conversation:
We encourage you to join the conversation and support the amazing work being done by LASA. Connect with LASA on LinkedIn: LASA LinkedIn to stay updated on their latest initiatives and success stories. By engaging with LASA, you can be part of a movement that is making a tangible difference in the lives of artists across South Africa.
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This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals featured and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Film Biz Show.