It’s been a few months since our last update, but a lot has been happening. We’ve been on the road, making connections, and continuing to lay the groundwork for Artist Corporations. Here’s where things stand and what’s coming next.

The first Colorado A-Corps: July 2027

In June, Colorado passed the Artist Company Act, creating a new kind of LLC designed around creative work and artist control. The law went into effect in August, but there’s been an open question about when the first A-Corps would actually be able to form.

We’ve now heard from our contacts in Colorado that the first A-Corps will be able to form in July 2027, including for artists based outside Colorado. We’ll have much more to share about the process as we get closer, but we now have a date to work toward.

Center for Art Law talk

Earlier this month we participated in one of the most encouraging discussions we’ve had so far about Artist Corporations — a talk hosted by the Center for Art Law in New York, featuring us, the Colorado-based artist Sarah Darlene, and two corporate attorneys who specialize in representing creative clients.

Hearing attorneys who work with creative people every day engage with the A-Corp in such practical detail was especially encouraging. For anyone wondering how this might work in practice, the conversation is well worth a watch.

A-Corps across America

Last week we were in Washington, D.C., to speak at the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies — a gathering of state arts leaders from across the country, and about as good an audience for A-Corps as we could hope for. We left with a stack of business cards from people interested in bringing A-Corps to their states.

There was also an unexpected moment during one of the opening sessions, when NASAA head Pam Breaux asked whether I was in the audience. After I raised my hand, she told the room about a visit we made to Capitol Hill together more than a decade ago to advocate for arts funding.

At the time, Kickstarter was sometimes being held up as proof that government support for the arts was no longer needed. I disagreed, and especially wanted to meet with legislators who opposed arts funding. Together Pam and I talked with senators and representatives about the creative work happening in their states and districts, and how individual donors and government support both helped make it possible.

Pam brought this up to remind the room that it’s important to engage with people who don’t already agree with you, and that these interactions can bring lasting returns. That’s something we’re carrying into the A-Corp work, too. A thoughtful conversation can reveal allies where you might not have expected to find them.

Getting ready for 2027

Next year, we expect the first A-Corps to form in Colorado and new legislation to be introduced in multiple states. We’re working to put the team, resources, and practical support in place to help artists use this structure and bring it to more communities.

Thank you for being part of this work. There’s a lot ahead, and we’re grateful to have you with us.

With gratitude, 

Yancey Strickler
Artist Corporations Foundation