Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA), a new program of CBCA, is a legal referral service that pairs volunteer attorneys with qualified individual artists, creative businesses and cultural nonprofits to receive free legal assistance.

With a growing roster of volunteer attorneys, CAFTA has been able to successfully match every eligible application since the program began in October, 2015. Recent cases have pertained to protecting intellectual property, estate planning for artists, and forming new nonprofit entities so emerging organizations can expand their offerings.

“It’s been exciting to start helping artists from across the state – from Longmont and Boulder to Westcliffe and Grand Junction,” says Meredith Badler, CBCA Program Manager. “We knew this need was out there but have been amazed by the response from both artists and our volunteer attorneys eager to lend their expertise.”

CAFTA has a thorough review process to ensure potential clients qualify for free legal support. Clients must demonstrate financial need, be professionals working in the creative industries and residents of Colorado. CAFTA assists with arts-related legal matters, such as negotiating a lease for a studio, gallery or performance contracts, registering trademarks and copyrights, and business incorporation.

“CAFTA provides opportunities for all types of attorneys,” says David Ratner of the Creative Law Network and CAFTA’s Advisory Committee Chair. “It’s a meaningful way for attorneys to fulfill their pro bono aspirations and contribute to Colorado’s creative renaissance.”

A thriving arts community results in increased economic development, job creation, tourism and higher quality of life for all Coloradans. In 2013, the cultural and scientific organizations in the Denver metro area alone generated $1.85 billion in economic activity and over 10,000 jobs, according to CBCA’s biennial Economic Activity Study.

CBCA has been forging inspiring arts and business partnerships for over 30 years. “CAFTA is one more way that CBCA is providing a vital service to advance Colorado’s creative economy,” says Mark Davidson, CBCA Board Chair, member of CAFTA’s Advisory Committee and Partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP.

Visit coloradoattorneysforthearts.org to learn more and get involved.

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