Commissioned Public Art - Artist Rights and Registration of Art

SB 41 prevents state-funded public art contracts from requiring artists to give up certain copyright rights (like attribution or integrity protections under federal law). It also mandates that all state-funded public art be registered with the Maryland State Arts Council, including the artist’s name, location, type, title, and installation date. The bill directly affects artists and entities commissioning public art projects using state funds, ensuring they retain legal protections unless they voluntarily and in writing choose to waive them. Registration requirements aim to create a public record of state-supported art, improving transparency and accessibility for the public.