Freedom Mural Alterations
I bought a copy of last Sunday’s issue (November 4th) of Philippine Daily Inquirer but I’m so busy and was not able to read it, except scanning a few pages. Though vividly, I can recall its front page photo and headline – “Freedom Mural Defiled: Artists outraged by NPC Censorship” which now is the talk of the town.
Much as I want to delve into the deeper issues, I’d like instead to focus on the issue of copyright. RA 8293 define’s artists rights – both economic (right to earn or obtain financial benefit from their original creative work) and moral rights (right to the integrity of the creative work).
This means that the art work, even sold to another party cannot be altered, defaced or destroyed without permission from its creator. Moral rights include the rights to – require that the authorship of the works be attributed to him, To make any alterations of his work prior to, or to withhold it from publication; to object to any distortion, mutilation or other modification of, or other derogatory action in relation to, his work which would be prejudicial to his honor or reputation; and to restrain the use of his name with respect to any work not of his own creation or in a distorted version of his work. Ref: RA 8293 Sec. 193
Assessment of Visual Arts Market in the Philippines
The Seminar-Workshop on Collective Administration of Visual Arts in the Philippines last July 12 had brought significant issues and concerns that affect the visual arts sector, particularly on the collective management of copyright. The event was attended by writers and artists from various fields. IP Philippines would like to help the visual arts sector to benefit from their copyright. But we have to prepare the ground work and assessment must be done.
REFLECTIONS – A Painting & Photography Exhibit
Group Exhibit featuring: Jose Barja, Grandier Bella, Jes Evangelista, Lucy Fernando,
Kara Iñigo and Dennis Rito present photos and paintings in “Reflections,” which opens on
August 10, 2007, 6 p.m., at Granos de Café, 39 Timog Avenue, Quezon City (front of
Zirkoh).
As the title of the show suggests, the works represent each artists’ personal interpretation of different subjects through two mediums, the camera and the brush.
Exhibit runs until September 10,2007.
For information, email at: reflections_exhibit@yahoo.com or text/ call: 09154814388 /
09209071303.
Tips on protecting your images/ photos
Even with the existence of Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA8293), many photographers still are victims of copyright infringement. And the poor photographer can’t even sue the infringers (because of the money involved in pursuing the case) against corporations and publishing houses – which are more moneyed than the photographers themselves. The photographer can’t help but gnash their teeth in disbelief.
Meanwhile, here are some tips to deter infringers from using your images:
Read the fine print
This is usually taken for granted. Too often we find ourselves caught in some nasty surprise by not reading the terms and conditions. So, before uploading any images, read the fine print of that particular site offering a free on-line gallery service. So, don’t rush into clicking that ‘accept’ button.
Avoid ‘Manipulative’ Photo Contests
If you can, avoid photo competitions which are ‘manipulative’ (Yes, we have many of these here in the Philippines, contrary to the contests being organized abroad). I say manipulative because often, the rules/contest mechanics are obviously pro-organizers. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if those photo contests was organized to just collect photos from photographers. Ironically, this has been going on for quite sometime. So, as much as possible, select the competition you enter where, even if you win, you still retain the ownership over the copyright of the image. Read the contest mechanics carefully.
Collective Administration of Visual Arts in the Philippines
IPO Philippines in cooperation with International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CSAC) had jointly organized the Seminar-Workshop on the Collective Administration of Visual Arts in the Philippines which I attended recently (originally scheduled last June 29). The seminar was held as part of the 10th year of Intellectual Property Code (or RA 8293) with the theme “Celebrating Creativity.”
Three foreign speakers shared their invaluable knowledge and expertise: Mr. Ang Kwee Tiang, Regional Director of CSAC Asia-Pacific Region talked about Basic Principles of Collective Management of Rights; Ms. Carola Streul, Secretary General of European Visual Artists and General Manager of OnLineArt discussed Collective Management of Rights in the Visual Arts, The Droit de Siute, and the Administration of Rights in Visual Arts in the Digital Environment while Ms. Chryssy Tintner, CEO – Visual Arts Copyright Collecting Agency (Viscopy) for Australia & New Zealand talks about Direct Licensing and Book and Magazine Publishers, Museums and Educational Institutions, Licensing and Enforcement of Primary Uses of Rights in the Visual Arts – The Practice in other Countries and its Applicability in the Philippines. Filipino counterparts are Atty. F.D. Nicolas Pichay who talked about Copyright in the Visual Arts and Mr. Albert Avellana, owner and curator of Avellana Art Gallery who talked about The Visual Arts Market in the Philippines.
Senate Bill No. 2666
Voyeurs Beware! SBN-2666 known as the Anti-video voyeurism act authored by Sen. Miriam Santigao penalizing Photo and Video voyeurism pending approval in the Philippine Senate.
Simple Lang: Pledge for The Planet Campaign
Greenpeace would like to invite you to the launch of Simple Lang: Save the Climate. The Simple Lang campaign challenges Pinoys to do simple things that will help save the planet from climate change. Come and party with Greenpeace! We hope to see you at this Saturday, July 7, at the Conspiracy Bar along Visayas Avenue, Quezon City (Phone: 453-2170). Party from 8pm onwards! No cover charge.
Electric Jeepneys: The first of its kind in Southeast Asia
The ubiquituous jeepney, a filipino creation of ingenuity now has a new cousin. These are the country’s first e-Jeepneys which rolled-off Makati CBD in an initial test drive. The Electric Jeepneys are part of an innovative project, Climate Friendly Cities, led by Green Renewable Independent Power Producer, Inc. (GRIPP), Greenpeace and the Makati City Government.
Raft For A Cause
I’ve been involved in volunteer work for a couple of groups. One of this is Cartwheel Foundation whose mission is to provide education to indigenous children and communities with no access to basic services. Coleen Ramirez emailed me a while ago regarding Cartwheel Foundation’s Raft for a Cause. So, in case you’re thinking of a good activity, this is it!
Read more…
Feast of San Juan
I’ve been a resident of San Juan for two years now at least but it’s my first time to witness how it’s being celebrated. I shot some images of the festivities though am still a bit dizzy from shooting at the Fete dela Musique the previous night (too bad I don’t have a pass). Just made it a point to bring a plastic bag in case I got drenched.
