How To Read a Contract - For Artists

Learn and understand Contracts 101 such as ‘what does it mean to be in a contract’, important things to look for and include in your contract, and common contract pitfalls and red flags to look out for!

Attached is a checklist of things you will want to look for and include in your contract. If any of these things don’t look right to you or are missing from the contract, ask for clarification, and if needed, revisions, before signing! Remember that you can almost always try to negotiate; you do not have to sign whatever is handed to you or asked of you.

Learn more about exclusivity, terms, royalties and things to consider for ownership of your work.

This PDF helps you determine if you need a license and provides you with an overview of the steps that you will need to take to obtain your license.

When looking through Music and Performing Arts Contracts pay special attention to the parts of the contract that directly impact when, where, and how you work and will be paid. Other important considerations like ownership rights arise depending on whether you are being hired to perform, create an original work, contribute to a collective project or you are organizing and producing an event. Download the PDF to learn more.

Similarly to Music and Performing Arts Contracts, when reviewing Visual Arts Contracts, pay special attention to the parts of the contract that directly impact when, where, and how you work and will be paid - as well as those that pertain to ownership of the final product(s) and how your art may be used. Download the PDF to learn more.

This PDF will provide you with the basics of what to consider when reviewing or developing a Teaching Artist Contract. Download the PDF to learn more.