California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA) and Arts Arbitration and Mediation Services (AAMS) are thrilled to join in the celebration of California Mediation Awareness Week, highlighting the vital role mediation plays in resolving disputes within the arts community. AAMS has been proud to serve the creative community since 1980 by offering mediation services tailored to their unique needs, as well as by providing training and educational opportunities to those who share our vision of empowering artists and arts organizations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Volunteer Mediator Panel, whose dedication and expertise are instrumental in helping artists and arts organizations find peaceful resolutions to conflict through mediation. Their commitment to serving the arts community exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines CLA's approach to dispute resolution.

A recent case that underscores the impact of AAMS' mediation program involved a dispute between two filmmakers over creative differences of opinion and business strategies. By facilitating the opportunity for open communication and creative problem-solving, AAMS helped the parties reach a resolution that honored their artistic contributions and preserved their longterm professional relationship.

In another case, AAMS mediated a conflict between a designer and a large fashion house over a payment dispute. Through mediation, we helped the parties renegotiate the designer's compensation terms through a confidential process, ensuring fair remuneration for the designer whilst allowing the fashion company to continue running its operations without interruption.

As part of CLA’s robust educational offerings, AAMS regularly hosts comprehensive mediation trainings for professional neutrals and community members to develop essential conflict resolution skills. In August 2023, AAMS hosted a virtual mediation training program, praised for its engaging content and interactive format. A subsequent in-person 25-Hour Basic Mediation Skills Training was hosted in early 2024 at our offices in Los Angeles. These trainings equipped participants with valuable skills and strategies to become effective mediators and community peacemakers.

As we celebrate California Mediation Awareness Week this March, CLA reaffirms our commitment to providing an outstanding mediation program that promotes harmony, creativity, and equity within the arts community. We are grateful for the support of CLA's Members and the AAMS Volunteer Mediator Panel as we continue our mission of serving creative communities across California.

By, Alexandra Bloedorn