VLAA volunteers help photographers, painters, poets, musicians, playwrights, graphic artists, dancers, crafts groups, filmmakers, theatre companies, orchestras, neighborhood arts councils, and others pursuing artistic endeavors.

Our caseload often includes:

• Obtaining nonprofit, tax-exempt status
• Negotiating and drafting contracts
• Protecting intellectual property
• Developing bookkeeping systems

To receive free help from VLAA, you must be 1) a Missouri or Southwestern Illinois artist or represent an arts organization with an arts-related problem, and 2) you must complete an application form (which can be filled out online, but must be submitted, with your check, by mail). Please download one of the following three application forms: an individual application, an organization application, or an organization application for assistance in incorporation as a nonprofit and applying for tax-exempt status. New organizations requesting assistance with incorporation and applying for tax-exempt status should request a copy of our Nonprofit Incorporation Workbook and the accompanying worksheets, which must be completed before meeting with a volunteer.

VLAA determines financial eligibility on the basis of an individual's family income or an organization's operating budget, then refers the qualifying applicant to a volunteer.

If you are ineligible for free services because your income or annual operating budget exceeds our guidelines, VLAA will provide names of lawyers and/or accountants who accept fee-generating clients. Simply complete a referral request form.



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If you need help, please Contact Us.

6128 Delmar • Saint Louis, Missouri 63112 • 314.863.6930