Erin Rodgers

Accounting and legal services don’t typically scream, “Party!”, and because of that, we often avoid or overlook them. This can be especially true in the creative and entertainment industry. Artists tend to create without considering copyrighting their work, and when they do, they typically aren’t aware of the processes of registering copyrights. The same holds true for accounting assistance not just at tax time, but throughout the year.

Erin Rodgers, a multi-talented musician in Houston-based band, Glass The Sky, is well suited for her professional gig as Staff Attorney for Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA). TALA was formed in 1979 in an effort to provide Texas artists and arts nonprofits with legal and accounting help. They currently provide over $600,000 a year in pro bono services through volunteer accountants and lawyers, as well as membership and donor funds.

These services are much needed in the entertainment sector. Whether you’re a visual artist, filmmaker, non profit arts organization, musician, dancer, actor, or writer, TALA provides services you need. From nonprofit incorporation to copyright assistance and accounting help to dispute resolution, TALA is able to educate creatives in order to better their business. And let’s face it, being an artist, entertainer or even working in the nonprofit arts realm is business.

Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts is a nonprofit 501c3 organization. For further information or assistance, or to make a tax deductible donation, go to talarts.org.

Erin Rodgers is a Lawyer is the Law Office of Al Staehely, Jr. and specializes in entertainment law, copyright, trademark, nonprofit law and corporate formation. For more info on Erin, catch her on LinkedIn.

- Candace Kizer

Candace is currently the Programs Coordinator at Fresh Arts Coalition, a nonprofit arts service organization in Houston, Texas. She also manages social media for Who’s HOU and Arts+Culture Magazine. Follow her on Twitter @CandacitaBonita.