Expert: Shannon Moore - 3/28/2010

Question
i have a book entitled "island" which contains poetry carved by anonymous chinese immigrants on the walls of angel island between 1910 and 1940.  in front of the book it states "copyright 1980 by the HOC DOI Project". the poems are written in chinese and the book has photographs of the carved poems with their translations.

i am an artist and would like to use some of this poetry in my art pieces.  i don't know what kind of permissions i am required to get to do so.  if i went to angel island and took my own photographs of the poems, and made my own translations, would i  have to request permission to use those photographs and translations?  in other words, i don't know who holds what kind of copyright to this work, and whether or not i need permission to use it in any way.

perhaps you can direct me to the governing regulations?  thanks.
JG

Answer
Dear Joan,

First I'd recommend looking into the HOC DOI Project in regard to the poetry. Perhaps try www.copyright.gov

For Angel Island specifically, perhaps try the Angel Island foundation: http://www.aiisf.org/ Their guidelines would likely determine what you can or cannot do with photos of the poetry. I'm sure someone there can point you in the right direction.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Warmest regards,
Shannon Moore
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