Legal Hour for Visual Artists

Understanding your legal rights is an essential part of navigating a sustainable and secure artistic career. In this special Legal Hour, we welcome leading art lawyer Pierre Valentin for an open Q&A session designed to help artists protect their work, their income, and their legacy.

This is a rare opportunity to ask your legal questions directly to one of the most respected art lawyers working today. Whether you work digitally, traditionally, independently, or through commissions, this session will support you in gaining clarity around the legal challenges artists face.

Artists are invited to ask questions on topics such as:

– Copyright essentials and protecting your creative rights
– Legacy planning and safeguarding your artistic estate
– Contracts and commissions and what to watch out for
– Legal considerations in the art market
– Digital and AI-related risks for artists
– Handling disputes and conflict resolution

Please come prepared with any queries you would like to discuss. The session will be guided by the questions you bring.

Guest Speaker

Pierre Valentin – Art Lawyer

Pierre is one of the most respected art lawyers practising today and a leading figure in art and cultural property law. With over 25 years of experience, he has advised collectors, galleries, artists, museums, auction houses, private banks, and institutions across the UK, Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia.
Previously in-house counsel at Sotheby’s and later partner leading the Art & Cultural Property Law Group at Withers, Pierre has acted on landmark cases relating to ownership, authenticity, art fraud, and complex international transactions.
He is also a trustee of the Artists’ Collecting Society, a specialist in copyright and resale rights, and an accredited mediator for the World Intellectual Property Organisation. Pierre is widely recognised as a “go-to lawyer” in the global art market, praised for his expertise, clarity and strategic approach.

Session Lead

Laura O’Hare – VAA Director

Laura is responsible for leading the artistic and business development at VAA. Laura has been working in the Fine Arts sector since 2012 and is a founder of the VAA. Presently, Director of the Visual Art Open Prize, the Professional Artist Award and the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize. Laura has a wealth of experience in managing relationships with artists and understanding their needs. Laura has an extensive network including arts organisations, galleries, publishers and commercial partners. Laura has helped hundreds of artists figure out how to thrive at all stages of their fine art careers. Prior to working in the arts industry, Laura was a solicitor specialising in Employment Law for over 15 years.

This session is free and open to both VAA members and non-members.
Booking is essential. If you experience any issues, please contact events@visual-artists.org.

Join us for this invaluable opportunity to learn directly from one of the most knowledgeable voices in art law and gain the tools to better protect your work and your career.