About us
Bridging the Gap Between Law and the Creative Industries.
Lawyers for the Arts South Africa (LASA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the rights and interests of artists and creatives through legal education, advocacy, partnerships and access to appropriate legal support.
While creativity drives cultural expression, innovation, employment and economic opportunity, many creatives have limited access to the legal knowledge and support necessary to protect their work and livelihoods. LASA seeks to make legal knowledge more accessible, strengthen awareness of creative rights and encourage collaboration between the legal profession and the creative community.
Our story
Artists should not have to navigate complex legal systems alone.
LASA was established in response to the challenges faced by creatives who often work in environments where legal protection, fair treatment and access to professional assistance can be difficult to secure.
Our founding vision is rooted in the belief that artists should not have to navigate complex legal systems alone or remain uninformed about the rights attached to their work.
We seek to create meaningful connections between creatives, legal professionals, institutions and other stakeholders who can contribute to a more informed, equitable and sustainable creative industry.
Our Vision
A South African creative industry in which artists and creatives are informed about their rights, their work is respected and protected, and appropriate legal knowledge and support are more accessible.
Our Mission
To empower creatives through accessible legal education, intellectual property awareness, advocacy, collaborative programmes and pathways to appropriate legal support.
Our values
What guides our work.
Access to Justice
Promoting greater access to legal knowledge and appropriate support for creatives.
Empowerment
Equipping artists with information that enables them to make informed decisions about their work and careers.
Integrity
Promoting ethical conduct, accountability and responsible collaboration.
Creativity and Innovation
Recognising the cultural, social and economic value of creative work.
Collaboration
Building relationships across the legal profession, creative industries, public institutions and private sector.
Inclusion
Working towards a creative industry in which people from different backgrounds and disciplines can access relevant information and opportunities.
Our approach
LASA works at the intersection of law and creativity. Our approach combines education, awareness, advocacy and partnerships to help address the challenges creatives face.
We aim to translate complex legal concepts into practical, understandable information and create opportunities for engagement between creatives and relevant professionals.
Our commitment
We are committed to contributing to a creative industry in which legal knowledge is accessible, rights are understood and artists have stronger opportunities to protect and develop their work.
Protecting the people behind creativity helps protect creativity itself.
Meet the team
The people behind LASA.
Board Members
Profiles coming soon.
Executive Members
Profiles coming soon.
Our Legal Status
Lawyers for the Arts South Africa is a registered non-profit company with Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) and Section 18A status, as applicable to its approved activities and subject to relevant requirements.
LASA is an advocacy and legal education organisation, not a law firm. Any legal assistance or referral is subject to the availability and involvement of appropriately qualified professionals and the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
In the media
