Robert C. Cumbow Honored for Fifteen Years of Service to the Washington Arts Community
11.14.2006
Washington Lawyers for the Arts awarded Robert Cumbow with the Robert C. Cumbow Brio Award at the Washington Lawyers for the Arts (WLA) 30th anniversary celebration on November 2, 2006. This first time award was created in Bob’s honor celebrating his tremendous contribution to the arts community. As part of this award, the Northwest Film Forum has donated space for Bob to host a private screening of a film of his choosing. In addition, a Robert C. Cumbow Brio Award plaque will be mounted permanently at The Northwest Film Forum.
The award was originally designed as a thank you for Bob’s past 15 years of service with the WLA. During Bob’s time on the WLA board he has served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. Over the years he has been with WLA, Bob has been a tireless volunteer both at the Arts Legal Clinic (a collaboration of WLA with the Seattle University School of Law) and as a speaker on numerous Intellectual Properties issues in WLA’s brown bag series, and at seminars at schools and arts organizations around the Puget Sound area. Students who studied with him at Seattle University, now practicing law, remember the inspiration they gained from the work and, yes, brio he put into his teaching, and that in the breadth of his knowledge he is truly a Renaissance Man. And many artists from all disciplines who have had occasion to consult with Bob have found in him a friend as well as a counselor.
Bob first became involved with WLA in 1983 before he was an attorney. He came to seek legal advice when he was getting his first book (on films) published. In 1995, now an attorney, he was engaged by Jamie Hook and Deborah Girdwood to help establish a post-production studio for Seattle’s independent film makers, then named Wiggly World, now The Northwest Film Forum. He continues to provide pro bono assistance for film makers associated with the Forum. He has taught at Seattle University School of Law since 1997.
Bob is the first—of what the WLA hopes will be many—to be honored by the award, which will celebrate individuals who exhibit exceptional energy, vitality and dedication in the community that bridges law and the arts, thus exemplifying the mission of the WLA: a mission dedicated to supporting the arts in Washington State by creating alliances and making legal resources accessible to artists and arts organizations of all disciplines. More information can be found at http://www.wa-artlaw.org/ or by calling 206.328.7053.
Washington Lawyers for the Arts supports the work of artists, whose work enriches the quality of life in the state and strengthens the arts community. The philosophy of this service organization is to establish a bridge between the arts and legal communities so that artists and arts organizations are better able to handle the legal and business aspects of their careers. As the legal profession focuses attention on the unique challenges affecting the arts community, the law will become more responsive to the needs of the artists. The organization is committed to providing preventive education and advocates in the arts community.
