Aaron Larks-Stanford is the Southern California Program Director and the statewide Arbitration Administrator of the Arts, Arbitration and Mediation Service (AAMS) of California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA). Years of experience as a labor lawyer brought Aaron to a career in mediation. He is trained and certified by the California Academy of Mediation Professionals, the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), and the Center for Dispute Resolution. As a community and court mediator, he helps parties resolve, among other things, neighbor-neighbor conflicts, landlord-tenant disputes, intra-organizational conflicts, family, business, and employment issues. Aaron is a supervising mediator with Southern California Family Mediation (SCFM) as well as a volunteer mediator with the Center for Conflict Resolution and Centinela Youth Services. He has also mediated with the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) as well as the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Dispute Resolution Program. Aaron has educated new mediators as a trainer and coach for CLA, SCFM, the DCBA, and the Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center. He is also a volunteer arbitrator with LACBA. Aaron is a member of the Southern California Mediation Association, the State Bar of California, and sits on the board of Whole Family Mediation.
Contact/Website Info: https://www.calawyersforthearts.org/
Presenting: Bridging Creative Conflicts: Mediation in Arts Disputes
The session will equip artists and creative professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate conflicts through mediation. Disputes in the arts industry can be uniquely complex and emotionally charged and understanding the role of mediation can help maintain professional relationships and foster a collaborative environment. The workshop will begin with an introduction to mediation as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of mediation, including how it differs from arbitration and litigation. Emphasis will be placed on the specific benefits of mediation for resolving conflicts within the arts sector. This introduction will set the foundation for participants to appreciate the value of mediation in their professional lives. Following this, the session will explore the common types of disputes that arise in the arts, such as copyright issues, contract disagreements, creative differences, and partnership conflicts. The discussion will highlight the emotional and professional impacts these disputes can have on artists and arts organizations. By understanding the nature of these conflicts, participants will be better prepared to identify and address similar issues in their own experiences. The core of the workshop will focus on the mediation process itself. Participants will learn about the roles and responsibilities of the mediator, the parties involved, and any legal representatives. This section will demystify the mediation process, making it more accessible and less intimidating for those who might consider using it to resolve their disputes. To bring these concepts to life, the workshop will present real-life case studies where mediation successfully resolved arts-related conflicts. These examples will illustrate the practical application of mediation techniques and the positive outcomes that can be achieved. Additionally, participants will engage in a role-playing exercise to simulate a mediation scenario. This exercise will provide hands-on experience, allowing attendees to practice negotiation and communication skills in a supportive environment. The workshop will also highlight the unique advantages of mediation for artists, including confidentiality, creative solutions, and the preservation of professional relationships. Participants will learn how mediation can be a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional legal processes. By understanding these benefits, attendees will see how mediation can be an essential tool in their conflict resolution toolkit. Finally, the session will provide information on how artists and arts organizations can access mediation services through AAMS. Resources will be shared, including contact information and upcoming training opportunities for those interested in becoming mediators. This practical guidance will ensure that participants leave the workshop with actionable steps to take if they find themselves in need of mediation services. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a solid understanding of mediation as a valuable tool for resolving conflicts in the arts. They will be equipped with practical skills and resources to address disputes effectively, fostering a more collaborative and harmonious creative environment.