Copyright Protection and Relevant Issues for Street Art in the US
Moustaka, Dimitra
This dissertation was written as part of the MA in Art, Law and Economy at the International Hellenic University. This paper begins by examining whether street art created without authorization on public or private property is entitled to copyright protection under the US law. The basic characteristics that distinguish street art from other forms of artistic expression are discussed and, after examining the provisions provided in the Copyright Clause and in the VARA Act, the paper concludes that no adequate protection is provided under the current regime. In chapter B, the paper moves forward in researching alternative methods of protecting street artworks from destruction or modification in the legal system of the USA, namely protection under the First Amendment or through provisions concerning cultural heritage. The relevant issues are left open for discussion.
