Robert Lederman, president of A.R.T.I.S.T sends us the following from N.Y.C.

I get many emails from well-intentioned artists who have an, "idea."

"Let's set up a private art show in the park, with a permit, so we can give artists a chance to show their art."

"Let's go to the Parks Department and ask them to set up a "special area" where only qualified artists can sell."

"Wouldn't it be great if we could all have reserved spots on the street?"

"Let's get a City Councilmember to write a law to "help" street artists."

These "ideas" show that the artists making them have no clue whatsoever about how or why they are able to sell their art on the street or in a park.They show a total lack of understanding about what First Amendment freedom of speech is. They show zero understanding of the nature of public property. They show an absolute lack of knowledge on the history of NYC street artists' rights.

These would all be perfectly good, even terrific ideas, IF we had NO rights.


Please try to fully understand what your rights are, where they camef rom and who is trying to take them away.