Copyright protects original “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works,” which include two- and three-dimensional works of fine, graphic, and applied art. Under certain circumstances, these works should be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. For more information on Copyright Law, visual arts, and the registration requirement, please see the Copyright Office Circular #40, "Copyright Registration for Pictorial, Graphic and Sculptural Works."
Harvard Law School also maintains an excellent web site dedicated to copyright and moral rights with respect to artist's rights.
Fair use is critical to visual artists. Please see this report by the College Art Association about the importance of fair use and misconceptions about permissions and copyright.
The websites listed below provide current and helpful information on the copyright issues facing creators and performers.
Architecture
10 Things to Know about Architecture Copyright
What Every Architect Should Know about Copyright Law
Dance
Copyright of Choreographic Works
Best Practices in Fair Use of Dance-related Materials
Music
Music Copyright Tutorials (videos)
Photography
The Photographer's Copyright (journal article)
Theatre
Dramatists Guild Copyright 101
Inspiration or Imitation: Copyright Protection for Stage Directions (journal article)
Copyright of the Theatrical Stage Design Elements in a Changing Theater Industry (journal article)
Protection of Dramatic Works in the System of Copyright Law (journal article)
Visual Arts
Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts
Copyright and Art: Issues that Matter to Creators and Users
Visual Resources Association Fair Use Guidelines
Contracts for Creative Works (article)
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