Matthew Dedon from Start Art Legal will speak about what every artist needs to be aware of when starting a business or entering into a contractual agreement. This workshop will focus on Business Formation and the basics of business contracts. The material is appropriate for artists of all disciplines, small arts organizations and general small businesses. The focus will be on business formation and will include:

• The various forms a business can take
• When to use each type of business
• What is required to form the business
• A few pitfalls to be aware of in California
• Common things to be aware of in contracts

Presenter Matthew Dedon is a graduate of Santa Clara school of law, where he studied entertainment law, and was the recipient of a high-tech excellence award. Following law school, Matt was the program coordinator, and later the Staff Attorney at California lawyers for the Arts.  While at CLA, Matt Developed a legal clinic, and a pro bono law firm for artists in need. Now at Start Art Legal, Matt works with creative artists at all stages of their careers to help them succeed.