As the creator of any original art you, as the artist, own the copyright. This is regulated by Federal Law and applies to all “original works of authorship” unless there exists a Work for Hire relationship (i.e., an employee, working for an employer). As the copyright holder, you maintain the rights to your images and are allowed to control their use including right to reproduce the work, prepare derivative works based on the work, license and/or sell the work and display the work publicly.

As part of your agreement to attend the Academy of Art University, a license is granted, by you, to AAU as follows:

“The Academy reserves the right to retain the image or a copy of any and all student artwork submitted to satisfy class assignments for use in Academy publications, classroom demonstrations, student art exhibitions, advertisements and/or other promotional activity.”

This agreement does not affect the ownership of the artwork, which resides with you. Nor does it limit your other rights covered under copyright law. It does not grant the Academy the right to sell or re-sell your image without your permission.

This use of your work is intended to showcase the quality of work being produced within the various departments and acts as a tool to educate and inform the population at large. It is a common practice within educational institutions and should be considered a promotion of you, as a successful artist. A credit line will accompany any and all use of your imagery whenever possible.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact your Department Director.