Contracts for Artists & Muralists: Protecting Your Work & Your Rights

Artists are often asked to create murals, installations, and commissioned work — but many artists are never taught how to protect themselves with a clear contract.

This practical workshop focuses on how artists can protect their work, their time, and their creative rights when working on commissioned projects and public art.

Using real-world examples from mural projects and public art commissions, this session will explore the essential elements every artist should understand before agreeing to a project.

Topics include:

• defining the parties involved in a contract • clearly describing the scope of an art project • approval processes and design revisions • payment schedules and artist fees • deliverables and project timelines • cancellation clauses • copyright and usage rights • artist rights under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) • insurance and legal protections for public art projects

Whether you are an emerging artist, muralist, or creative professional working on commissioned projects, this workshop will provide practical tools to help artists protect their work and their rights.

This presentation is part of A Day in the Life of Imperial Avenue, a week-long celebration of the art, history, and cultural legacy of one of San Diego’s most important creative corridors.

Sarah Bella Mondragón — Barrio Artists Partnership Artist advocate presenting on artist contract fundamentals

Leah Goodwin — Leah Goodwin Creates Art consultant with over 40 years of experience representing artists in San Diego

San Diego Made Supporting creative entrepreneurs and artist production resources

This workshop is co-sponsored by The Rolodex Project and All For Logan, supporting artists with resources for professional development and creative entrepreneurship.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Barrio Artists Partnership