Arts Clinic group photo
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
Left to Right: Kayla Bornneman, Grayson Shanks, Will Huh.
Left to Right: Kayla Bornneman, Grayson Shanks, Will Huh.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

Learning by doing

MB Legal Clinic for the Arts students engage in community outreach and public legal education at MOSMA

By

Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts

On June 16, 2026, three law students from the Faculty of Law’s Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts returned to the Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts (MOSMA) for the second consecutive year to deliver a presentation on legal topics relevant to emerging professionals in the creative industries.

Kayla Bornneman, Grayson Shanks, and Will Huh, are second-year law students working with the Clinic full-time this summer. They had the opportunity to meet with MOSMA’s graduating Class of 2026 and connect directly with Winnipeg’s next generation of artists and creators. The purpose of their presentation was to discuss practical areas of business law that artists and creative professionals may encounter throughout their careers including the topics of business structures, the essential elements of contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and the distinctions between employees and independent contractors. The presentation was designed as an introduction to common legal considerations that arise in professional creative practice, rather than a comprehensive review of these legal subjects. 

Following the presentation, the students facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session, allowing them to connect more personally with the MOSMA students and address legal questions specific to class member interests and career aspirations. The discussion highlighted the value of accessible legal information and encouraged students to seek further assistance from the Arts Clinic as they begin their professional journeys.

Following the presentation Will Huh (2L) B.A. noted that “As a law student, it was inspiring to meet a group of passionate individuals pursuing careers in a field different from my own and to hear firsthand about their journeys into the music industry. Learning about the experiences, ambitions, and motivations that drive these emerging artists provided valuable insight into the people the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts aims to serve.”

Grayson Shanks (2L) found he enjoyed talking to and answering questions from the students and staff at MOSMA. “It was nice to spend time with a group of people who were passionate about what they do and to be able to provide a useful service at the same time,” he said. “I also appreciated the opportunity to learn a little bit about how what goes into the music and media I interact with every day.”

Kayla Bornemann (2L) B.Sc. had not heard of MOSMA prior to preparing for this presentation and found it a great opportunity to learn about Winnipeg artists. “As someone passionate about the arts, I was grateful for the opportunity to combine my interest in the arts and the law to reach out to a new sector of Winnipeg,” she said. “Thank you to MOSMA for inviting us to speak to your students. We are excited and hopeful to see some familiar faces in our Clinic soon!”

Transforming a passion for sound into rewarding careers

The Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts (MOSMA) specializes in audio engineering and media arts education. Established in the 1990s, the school offers hands-on training through its Audio in Media Diploma program, preparing students for careers in recording, music production, live sound, and audio post-production.

MOSMA emphasizes practical learning with small class sizes, professional-grade equipment, industry mentorships, and practicum placements. Its goal is to provide students with the technical skills and real-world experience needed to enter the audio and media industries.

Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts supports Communities

Through the Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts, law students gain valuable hands-on experience by learning to help artists and arts organizations throughout Manitoba.

By engaging directly with creators through individual client services and public legal education initiatives, law students develop practical skills in client communication, legal research, and public outreach while gaining a deeper understanding of the unique legal challenges faced by those working in the arts. At the same time, arts community members served by the Clinic receive practical knowledge and support they need to succeed. These community connections foster a mutually beneficial learning environment.

The Manitoba Legal Clinic for the Arts looks forward to continuing its collaboration with MOSMA and building new partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share a commitment to supporting Manitoba’s arts and creative communities through legal education and accessible legal services.

Boilerplate: Empowering Learners

At UM, we encourage life-long curiosity while providing tools – inside and outside the classroom – to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Empowering learners is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.