Nonprofit · South Africa
Protecting Creativity.Empowering Artists.
Building a creative industry where artists understand their rights, protect their work and have access to legal knowledge and appropriate support.
We believe that creativity deserves protection, and artists deserve to understand their rights.
Lawyers for the Arts South Africa (LASA) is a nonprofit organisation committed to advancing the rights and interests of South Africa's creative community. We bridge the gap between the creative industries and the legal profession through legal education, advocacy, partnerships and access to appropriate legal support.
The people who contribute to our cultural and creative economy should be empowered to make informed decisions about their work. Our mission is to help build a creative industry in which legal knowledge is accessible, creative rights are respected, and artists are better equipped to protect and commercialise their work.
What we do
Four ways we stand with South Africa's creatives.
Legal Education and Awareness
We make legal knowledge more accessible to creatives by promoting an understanding of the laws, rights and responsibilities that affect their work and livelihoods.
Intellectual Property Education
We raise awareness about copyright, intellectual property, licensing, ownership and the commercial value of creative work, helping artists make more informed decisions about their creations.
Advocacy for Creatives
We champion the interests and rights of artists and creatives, promoting a fairer and more supportive environment in which creativity can thrive.
Programmes and Partnerships
We develop educational programmes, workshops and collaborative initiatives that connect creatives with legal professionals, industry experts and organisations committed to strengthening the creative sector.
Who we serve
Creatives across South Africa.
We work to empower people across the creative and cultural industries, including:
- 01Filmmakers and television professionals
- 02Musicians, composers and recording artists
- 03Actors, performers and theatre practitioners
- 04Writers, authors and publishers
- 05Visual artists, photographers and illustrators
- 06Designers and fashion creatives
- 07Digital content creators and influencers
- 08Other professionals working across the creative and cultural industries
Why our work matters
Creative work has cultural, social and economic value.
Yet many creatives face challenges relating to contracts, copyright, ownership, exploitation, payment, licensing and the protection of their work.
Access to understandable legal information can help artists recognise risks, negotiate more confidently and make informed decisions about their careers.
LASA seeks to address this gap by bringing legal knowledge closer to the people who need it.
Our sponsors and partners
Made possible by organisations who believe in creative rights.
In the media
LASA in the conversation.
Work with us
Together, we can build a creative industry where talent is valued.
The protection and empowerment of creatives require collaboration. We invite companies, law firms, government institutions, universities, foundations, industry bodies and individuals to work with us.