Our approach to Legal Assistance parallels our case management system, with Ashlye Keaton, an entertainment attorney respected by community members, serving as an internal referral for case managers. Keaton’s work extends beyond this role, serving cultural community members on an individual basis and representing Mardi Gras Indian and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs as collectives. Keaton provides access to representation and education on entertainment industry standards that few of our clients could ever afford on their own. Through her work, artists are signing better contracts, receiving royalties that had been withheld for decades, and learning the appropriate strategies to earn money from their intellectual property.
Photo of Patrina Peters meeting with attorney Ashlye Keaton. Photo by Jay Martin (r) Jay A. Martin. All rights reserved.
Keaton also leads our Advocacy efforts, working in collaboration with several community organizations on a variety of policy, permit, and policing issues that disproportionately affect performance and intellectual property rights and through these, their economic potential. Thanks to Keaton’s diligent work, as of April 13, 2010, Mardi Gras Indians are recognized as authors of original artwork subject to copyright protection according to the United States Copyright Office. This is a huge victory for Mardi Gras Indians, who now have the option to legally protect their hand-sewn suits that cost up to $10,000 to create.
While conventional legal representation has historically been out of reach financially for this community, Sweet Home is opening access to professional counsel and providing clients with concrete steps to progress as entrepreneurs. Access to these channels for income promotes the sustainability of New Orleans musicians. While live performance has historically been the dominant source of our clients’ earnings, learning the appropriate strategies to earn money from intellectual property allows local artists to diversify their revenue, expanding opportunities to sustain themselves financially.
Through our Legal Assistance Program artists can receive assistance on issues ranging from recovering royalties to insurance claims and contractor disputes. Our goal is for clients to earn more from their intellectual property, build stronger negotiating power, and develop necessary business skills through one-on-one counseling.
Aaron Paulin of Bone Tone Brass Band. Photo by Jay Martin, (r) Jay A. Martin. All rights reserved.