CAFTA Case List

Here is the list of arts-related pro bono opportunities that are currently seeking a referral through Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA). Thanks for your interest in providing legal assistance to support Colorado’s artists, performers, cultural organizations and creative businesses.

If you are interested in taking on one of the CAFTA matters below, please contact CAFTA@cbca.org and reference the case # in the subject line.

Available CAFTA Matters

Updated June 6, 2026

#26020 [Music Licensing Agreements] NEW
Client Client is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that produces interactive orchestra programs for young people. Client is seeking legal assistance to license their original programs to other orchestras. Client has identified 2-3 of their prior shows that they could package and license. These shows feature musical compositions that are in the public domain. The Client’s Music Director has created original arrangements of these pieces and the organization owns the copyright to those unique arrangements. The packages also include scripts, activities, marketing language and educational resources. Client is seeking legal assistance to develop these packages and a licensing agreement that protects all parties.

  

#26048 [Copyright Counsel and Contract Review] NEW
ClientClient is a musician and DJ. Client was engaged by a local entertainment company to develop a curriculum and training for other DJs. Client created the curriculum and led one training session. Client was paid for the one training session, but not for the curriculum development. After this work was completed, the company sent the Client an independent contractor agreement, which the Client hasn’t signed yet. Client would like to retain full ownership of this curriculum and maintain sole control over it. Client has submitted a registration with the US Copyright Office for this training material. Client is seeking legal assistance to navigate his ownership rights and review this contractor agreement.

  

#26047 [Publishing Copyright Counsel] NEW
Client is an author. Client previously published five books with a vanity press. Client would now like to start his own publishing company and wants to publish, promote and sell his own books. Client contacted the prior publisher requesting that they stop selling all of his books; and it appears that they have stop selling, printing and distributing his books. Client is seeking legal assistance to confirm that he has the rights to begin publishing his books on his own. Client has signed contracts with the prior publisher for his books.

 

#26041 [Public Accommodations] NEW
Client is a sole proprietor business that produces aerial dance performances. Client is seeking legal assistance to create a policy about barring certain audience members at their performances. Recently, performers have requested to bar entry to specific people at their performances because of behavior that makes them uncomfortable. These performances occur at a private dance studio. There is no formal rental agreement between the Client and the studio. Client charges admission for the performances. Performers must sign a code of conduct and a photo release, but there is no other formal agreement between them and the Client. Client would like legal counsel regarding her legal responsibilities and recourse as it relates to performer safety and audience access.
*Client’s household annual income exceeds CAFTA’s threshold for pro bono eligibility.

 

#26042 [Photography Copyright Infringement] 
Client is a professional architectural photographer. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding alleged copyright infringement of his photographs. In 2017, Client was hired as a photographer by a construction and development company, and his contract granted limited usage rights to that company. Since then, at least three other companies have used his images without his permission. Client has been successful in the past in resolving some of these matters and receiving a licensing fee. Client is seeking legal assistance to address the remaining images and receive compensation for use of his images.

 

#26040 [Music Copyright Counsel] 
Client is a musician. Client is developing a new app that will enable audiences to request songs and tip performers. One feature of this app is a compilation of chord charts and lead sheets that musicians can upload and publicly share with each other and audiences. Client is seeking legal assistance to navigate this feature of the app, specifically the intellectual property and licensing issues. Client is also seeking consultation on other issues related to the app, such as liability, privacy and trademark.
*Client’s household annual income exceeds CAFTA’s threshold for pro bono eligibility.

 

#26033 [Music Copyright Infringement] 
Client is a musician. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding an alleged copyright infringement of one of his songs. Another musical artist has begun distributing the Client’s song under his own name and label without the Client’s permission. As a result, the Client had a sync licensing deal get terminated because the licensor couldn’t confirm ownership of the song. The Client has filed a copyright registration for the song and it is registered through ASCAP. Client issued a successful DMCA takedown notice through YouTube, but the song is still being distributed on other platforms. Client has no affiliation or relationship with the adverse party. Client is seeking legal assistance to issue a formal Cease and Desist notice to the adverse party and regain control of his IP and all metadata related to this song.

 

#26036 [Defamation, False Light, Misrepresentation Claim] 
Client is a visual artist. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding an alleged defamation situation. Client applied for a call for artwork by a local transit authority. Client won the call and designed a public piece of artwork featuring a well-known individual on it. The individual featured in the design was not contacted during this process and the Client has no affiliation with the individual. The individual has since been made aware of her likeness being used in this way and is very upset. There has been media attention and negative comments made about the transit authority for using the individual’s likeness without her permission. The transit authority claims they assumed the Client had permission from the individual and has shifted the blame to the Client. There was a signed contract between the Client and the transit authority for this artwork commission. The Client believes the transit authority’s public statements constitute defamation, false light or negligent misrepresentation, and that this situation is damaging his career.

  

#26028 [Breach of Contract]
Client is a visual artist. Client has a large metal sculpture currently on display May 2025 through May 2026 through a rotating public art program led by a local creative district and downtown development entity. The sculpture was hit by a car and damaged in October 2025. Client was asked to come and repair the sculpture, which he did. The public art program is refusing to cover the cost of the repair. Client signed a contract with the public art program that states the sculpture is insured by the program and that they will cover physical loss or damage to the piece while on display. Client used to live in Colorado and is now based in Missouri. The public art contract states Colorado as the jurisdiction.

 

#26014 [Property Tax Counsel] 
Client is a 501c3 nonprofit community art center. Client is seeking legal assistance regarding their property tax exemption. Client purchased their property in 2020 and were granted 100% tax exemption of personal property and 33% of real property in 2021. They were recently informed that their property is only 67% exempt because a portion is used for a non-qualifying purpose as an art gallery and store that supports local artists. Client is seeking legal assistance to dispute this determination and/or change the determination by reducing the size of their gallery and store.
*Client’s annual operating budget is slightly above CAFTA’s pro bono eligibility threshold.

 

Check out CAFTA’s Description of Pro Bono Services (2026) to learn more about the referral process and expectations for volunteer attorneys.