The Hexagon Space Announces New Changes
The Hexagon Space is entering a new era with two major changes taking place.
In its first step to becoming a tax-exempt non-profit, The Hexagon Space incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Maryland. It is continuing its efforts to become a 501(c)(3) organization under federal law, thus enabling it to accept tax-deductible donations and to apply for a wider range of foundation grants.
Second, the community of volunteers responsible for operating The Hexagon Space voted to refrain from paying blanket fees to the music licensing corporations American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), and Society of European Stage Artists and Composers (SESAC). The mission of The Hexagon Space is to provide an all-inclusive outlet for the arts with an emphasis on supporting local and under-exposed artists and performers. The collective believes paying these organizations is contrary to this mission and an improper use of its limited financial resources.
Starting in 2010, all material performed at The Hexagon Space must be original, in the public domain, or covered under Fair Use. Artists who have registered with a performance rights organization may still perform their original work because they retain the performance rights under the copyright.
“I’ve been continually impressed by our volunteers over the past year. These decisions are exciting steps for our space and will have a significant positive impact on the local music community,” says Board President, Josh Atkins.
Submissions are being graciously accepted for the house music playlist which gets played between bands and at gallery functions. Musicians who wish to submit copies of their original songs to our catalog can do so through the website, www.hexagonspace.com, or during venue and gallery hours.
The Hexagon Space is happy to address any questions that performers may have regarding this issue, and encourages them to investigate alternatives to the conventional copyright scheme such as Creative Commons licensing. The Hexagon Space supports the free flow of art and creativity in the marketplace of ideas.
