Pro Bono Project for the Arts
We are proud to provide pro bono assistance to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that cannot typically afford the legal services that all institutions need to survive and grow. This investment helps our communities thrive and encourages our neighbors to share their stories and preserve their rich histories. Our work includes venue contracting, international touring logistics and finance, property acquisition, and nonprofit incorporation and taxation. In supporting the visions of artistic innovators, we hope to connect people from all backgrounds.
Kilowatt Dance Theater
A Sidley team worked closely with Kilowatt to incorporate a dance group and to draft contracts to use with dancers who will be performing with the company. Of Sidley’s help on the matter, Kilowatt’s Artistic Director, Jaime Shannon, shared:
“Sidley has been exceptionally helpful in setting up my dance company, Kilowatt Dance Theater. As a dancer/choreographer, I have been trying to establish my own dance company for some time now. With Sidley's help, I was able to receive my certificate of incorporation and 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Because of this, I can now grow my company while creating new dance projects and classes for the public. Everyone I have spoken with at Sidley has been very attentive to my needs and has quickly addressed every concern I had. I am very grateful for their continued guidance, support, and commitment to my artistic vision.”
— Jaime Shannon, Artistic Director, Kilowatt Dance Theater
Bronx Council on the Arts
BCA is an organization formed 40 years ago as an advocate for cultural equity. Its aim is to develop a diverse array of artists and arts organizations and build cultural connections in the Bronx and outside the borough. BCA maintains an exhibition space, Longwood Gallery, at Hostos Community College in the Bronx. Sidley was retained to work on exhibition agreements with artists, including adapting the contracts to reflect online-only exhibitions.
“We have had a terrific experience working with the Sidley team to answer legal questions in preparation for our art auction, and to create our artist and performer contracts. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Sidley team patiently guided us through the process of adapting our existing contracts for online exhibitions and events. We are forever grateful for their expertise and help, and for making our shift to virtual programs absolutely effortless.”
— Viviana Bianchi, Executive Director, Bronx Council on the Arts
Aperture Foundation
For a number of years, the firm has provided pro bono legal services to Aperture Foundation, a nonprofit created in 1952 to serve as a “common ground for the advancement of photography.” Aperture publishes a quarterly magazine and organizes exhibitions. Last year, Sidley started a project reviewing and modernizing all of Aperture’s many contracts, including those with photographers, authors, museums, and vendors. We also prepared a memo for Aperture analyzing whether a 501(c)(3) corporation can make contributions to another 501(c)(3) corporation and what type of political activities a 501(c)(3) arts organization can engage in without endangering its tax-exempt status.
“Sidley provided pro bono help to review and update both our employee manual and our contract templates. We had wanted to undertake these important projects for years, but had lacked the knowledge and resources to do so until Sidley offered to help us. The Sidley team was professional, knowledgeable, and collaborative throughout both projects. They researched the relevant legal questions raised in the review process and provided clear, thoughtful solutions time after time. We are grateful beyond words for Sidley’s generosity and guidance.
— Mary Colman St. John, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, Aperture Foundation
