Graffiti Wins Protected Legal Status in New York

A landmark judgement potentially paves the way for graffiti to be protected under the Visual Artists Rights Act.

1 minute read

February 23, 2018, 10:00 AM PST

By fieldafm


Queens, New York

5Points, pictured in 2009. | iamNigelMorris / Flickr

The 5Pointz building in Queens was once described as "the world's premier graffiti mecca." The building was demolished in 2014 to make way for a $400 million redevelopment. Twenty-one graffiti artists whose work once adorned the original building were awarded $6.7 million in damages under the Visual Artists Rights Act. This stunning ruling has major implications for both private property owners and street artists.

Friday, February 23, 2018 in Modern Cities

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