From updates on current litigation to art world happenings to emerging legislation affecting art and cultural heritage, Wilson Elser’s Art Law Perspectives blog features summaries of recent news reports on art law and art markets. As we introduce and offer commentary on related issues we invite our readers to enter into a dialogue with us, creating more balanced, roust and thought-provoking analyses.

When the art world makes headlines, it becomes clear just how important the field is to all of us, as evidenced by the National Law Review’s recognition of our blog through its editor, Jana Farmer, as a 2019 Go-To Thought Leader.

With the myriad transactions involving art and collectibles, Wilson Elser’s Art Law team is uniquely suited to handle related contracts and issues and counsel clients through due diligence and possible disputes. Proper contracts need to be put in place on behalf of those creating, collecting, consigning, commissioning, conserving, transporting, storing or otherwise handling artwork. Our attorneys are skilled at implementing these transactional assignments, tailoring terms to our clients’ specific requirements and best interests.

In the event of damage claims, we determine relative exposure, weigh the merits of alternative resolution approaches and carefully calculate cost investments. We enjoy long-standing relationships with qualified appraisers and conservators whose expertise helps determine our resolution strategy. While our practice focuses on managing the entire litigation, we understand that our clients prefer quick and cost-effective resolutions to complex and potentially protracted liability cases. Thus, we do our best to accelerate turnaround through procedural or substantive dismissals, successful tenders and negotiated settlements.

Whether for claims or contracts, clients are continually apprised of our progress and provided with information that enables them to make intelligent decisions and assures them that their resources are being deployed effectively and efficiently. In the context of the often obscure art markets, our clients especially value the high premium we place on transparency, integrity and discretion.

Art is diverse in its form and content, as are the domestic statutes and international laws and conventions that apply to art transactions. When artistic beauty clashes with the perils of business, one needs accomplished assistance and practical advice – the kind that safeguards the value of artwork as both a passion asset and a financial investment. Wilson Elser is proud of its enviable record of achieving favorable resolutions and effecting strong, well-conceived contracts and agreements for its clients.