Law students support Manitoba’s creative sector
Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts Attends Manitoba Arts Network Showcase in Brandon
On October 24-27, 2024, law students from the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts participated in the Manitoba Arts Network Showcase in Brandon, Manitoba, which celebrated 40 years of connecting artists and communities in rural and Northern Manitoba. This annual event welcomed over 150 artists, presenters, and industry supporters together for four days of education, networking, and celebration.
Law students Mathew O’Connor (3L), Kassandra Taverner (3L) [BSc/2020], and Emily Palmer (3L) [BA/2019, MJ/2022], engaged with attendees to share information about services offered by the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts. The Clinic, which began operations in October 2023, is the only legal clinic in Manitoba that provides free legal services tailored to artists and arts organizations who cannot afford traditional legal assistance.
During the Manitoba Showcase conference, Mathew and Kassandra led an artist professional development presentation on negotiations, contracts, and intellectual property (IP), emphasizing the intersection of law and the business of art.
Kassandra noted the importance of empowering artists to take full ownership of their work and navigate questions related intellectual property effectively.
“I felt privileged to be able to present and share what I know about IP through my work at the Clinic, and I left the Showcase feeling inspired not only by the diverse talents represented but also by the strong, supportive network we’re building within Manitoba’s creative community.”
On Friday, the students facilitated Knowledge Café sessions focused on group discussions on Intellectual Property and Copyright. On Friday and Saturday, the students hosted “Ask The Expert” sessions, where attendees requested individualized legal information and advise on a one-on-one basis.
Twin Flames ’ Sunchild Deer-Okpik (known mononymously as Jaaji) and Chelsea Jodoin (known as Chelsea June) with Mathew O’Connor (3L), Kassandra Taverner (3L).
The Showcase also featured diverse artistic performances from both emerging artists as well as world-class talents. Notably, the acclaimed Indigenous music duo Twin Flames performed their song “Human,” commissioned by UNESCO as the anthem for the International Year of Indigenous Languages. Twin Flames shared their commitment to community outreach in using music to connect, educate, and deliver hope and inspiration in schools across Canada, and the U.S. including the North. The duo provides presentations in English, French, and Inuktitut.
Throughout the event, artists emphasized a common theme of accessibility in their performances and discussions. For example, Molly’s Comedy Cabaret performs in venues like hospitals and retirement homes, demonstrating that art should be accessible and reach beyond traditional spaces to benefit the wider community. Derived from their website, they “. . . believe that theatre and music are an integral part of a healthy and happy society, and that they need to extend beyond the four walls of the theatre.”
Mari Padeanu (Emerging Manitoba Artist); Kassandra Taverner (3L), Mathew O’Connor (3L) Cassidy Mann (Indigenous Music Development Coordinator, Manitoba Music).
The law students engaged with other artists and arts supporters throughout the event, and had the opportunity to meet Cassidy Mann, Indigenous Music Development Coordinator at Manitoba Music, who shared her experience in the music industry and her role in supporting Indigenous artists.
Reflecting on the event, Mathew remarked on the valuable stories he heard from all attendees, which deepened his understanding of their artistic practices and legal needs. He expressed excitement about future collaborations with those he met, including emerging artists like singer Shay Wolf, all female Indigenous band Gurlz, Gurlz, Gurlz, and Mari Padeanu.
The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts is currently operated by 20 third-year law students dedicated to enhancing legal support for Manitoba’s arts and culture community province-wide. Artists and arts organizations in need of legal assistance can fill out an online intake form for support.