Art & Creative Media

Art Fraud

We can assemble a multi–disciplinary team to deal with all aspects of an art fraud case. Our fraud team is made up of highly experienced lawyers from throughout the firm including our criminal defence, dispute resolution, employment, regulatory and private prosecution teams – we have unparalleled expertise in this area.

We represent corporates and individuals,  defendants, victims, and witnesses – we understand the strategic, tactical and financial considerations required in fraud matters.

Visit our fraud page to find out more  or contact our specialist art fraud lawyers.

Anti-money laundering & financial crime

We have one of the largest financial crime practices in the UK and we are experts in advising both organisations and individuals who find themselves caught in the fight against financial crime. From those accused of perpetrating “high-end” money laundering, to those suspected of facilitating it further along the laundering process, whether payments are electronic or cash-based or whether parties are knowingly or unwittingly involved, we can assist.

The Anti-Money Laundering regime has been extended to cover the art market. Those falling within these new categories –  ‘art market participants’ – must now take a thorough risk-based approach to their business which includes customer due diligence, record keeping, reporting suspicious activity and regulatory supervision by HMRC.  Failure to comply can result in financial penalties and criminal prosecution.

For further information, or if you need advice, please contact our specialist financial crime and AML compliance lawyers.

Employment advice

• Exits or disciplinary proceedings for employees working in art galleries;
• Contract advice for those curating exhibitions around the globe;
• Exit advice for art dealers; and,
• Redundancies / settlement agreements.

Real Estate

• Advice in relation to leases of commercial spaces used for galleries and studios;
• Purchase and sale advice in relation to residential properties and tenancies for artists; and,
• Advising tenants on leasing property for workspaces and exhibitions.

Immigration

• Assist artists looking to relocate to the UK;
• Advise artists on what they are allowed to do on short term temporary visits to the UK;
• Assist visual and combined artists, writers and performers on the Global Talent Visa endorsement by the Arts Council;
• Support art galleries, museums and institutions to sponsor the global staff they need as Skilled Workers and to remain compliant

Private client

Private client

• Art as a legacy – estate planning; and,
• Philanthropic structuring.

Family

• Advising HNW clients on  international divorce and child arrangements.

Notable cases

• Advising Art Market Participants on compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations and Proceeds of Crime Act
• Advising an individual in the arts sector charged with two counts of theft and facing extradition proceedings
• Coordination of immigration advice for seamlessly moving teams around the world for performances and tours
• Assisting with applications for work permits for entertainers and their entourage
• Advising a tenant on the grant of a lease of a property which is used as part cafe, part workspace and part exhibition area
• Dealing with sensitive issues concerning immigration applications of high profile performers, including issues of past convictions or immigration issues
• Providing advice on the Creative Route under the new immigration system
• Advising a well-known international e-Sports company on the permissibility of creative entertainers entering the UK to attend events as visitors
• Advising employees working in art galleries as managers or negotiators in connection with exits or disciplinary proceedings
• Advising a renowned rapper subject to being removed from the UK and successfully obtaining entry
• Advising a renowned theatre group on a Europe-wide tour involving multijurisdictional immigration advice
• Advising high-profile celebrities on Tier 1 (Investor) applications and other short term visas for filming in the UK
• Providing advice to an auction house on redundancy / settlement agreements
• Advising on Global Talent applications for artists and performers
• Advising a client on entry to the UK from Ireland on a Creative visa-free concession basis