American Photographic Artists (APA) Grants Third $25,000 Donation to PLUS Coalition

ATLANTA, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Photographic Artists (APA) (http://www.apanational.com) today announces its third contribution of $25,000 to the PLUS Coalition to aid in the development of the PLUS Registry, a key component of the Picture Licensing Universal System (PLUS). When operational, the PLUS Registry will link images to their rights holders and will provide instant access to photographic rights information for any image.

APA's mission is Successful Photographers. By allowing photographers and their customers to leverage technology to improve image licensing and image rights management, PLUS is critical to that success. APA's contribution to PLUS supplements APA's ongoing advocacy efforts in support of professional photographers, including legal and legislative activities such as APA's opposition to unfair provisions of the past orphan works bills. APA urges all organizations to recognize the need for a global, industry-neutral, non-profit registration authority for rights owners, image licenses and images, and for a universal language for communicating image rights. The PLUS Coalition has succeeded in bringing together key stakeholders from all industries and in developing a comprehensive system of international standards. The next step - the development of the PLUS Registry - is an important opportunity to realize truly positive impact on the entire profession.

APA's generous contribution to PLUS is made possible by funding received from the Authors Coalition of America (ACA) in the form of royalties for overseas copying of works that cannot be identified by title or copyright owner. These funds must be used solely to support education and advocacy efforts benefitting visual artists.

APA National Advocacy Chair and Senior VP Michael Grecco says, "We are grateful to have the opportunity to donate a third time to the PLUS Registry so that this project can continue forward and benefit not only APA members, but all photographers worldwide."

"APA has once again demonstrated a strong focus on the success of photographers. APA's support and participation has been and continues to be critical to the development of the PLUS Registry," says Jeff Sedlik, PLUS President and CEO.

APA National President Theresa Raffetto adds, "The fact that APA can provide funds necessary for the continued development of the PLUS Registry means a lot to us as an organization. We look forward to seeing how the finished product will impact the photographic community."

About American Photographic Artists (APA)

The American Photographic Artists (http://www.apanational.com) is a leading national organization run by and for professional photographers. With a culture that promotes a spirit of mutual cooperation, sharing and support, APA offers outstanding benefits, educational programs and essential business resources to help its members achieve their professional and artistic goals. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with chapters in Atlanta, Los Angeles, the Midwest, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Charlotte, the Northwest and Washington, DC, APA strives to improve the environment for photographic artists and clear the pathways to success in the industry.

Recognized for its broad industry reach, APA continues to expand benefits for its members and works to champion the rights of photographers and image-makers worldwide.

About Picture Licensing Universal System (PLUS)

The PLUS Coalition (http://www.usePLUS.org) is an international non-profit initiative on a mission to simplify and facilitate the communication and management of image rights. Organized by respected associations, leading companies, standards bodies, scholars and industry experts, the PLUS Coalition exists for the benefit of all communities involved in creating, distributing, using and preserving images. Spanning more than 30 countries, these diverse stakeholders have collaborated to develop PLUS, a system of standards and tools that make it easier to communicate, understand and manage image rights in all countries. The PLUS Coalition exists at the crossroads between technology, commerce, the arts, preservation and education.

Press Contact:

Lauren Hunter
Lauren Hunter Public Relations
[email protected]
916-838-2184

APA Contact:
Stephen Best, APA National CEO
[email protected]
800-272-6264 ext. 12

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SOURCE American Photographic Artists