Last night saw the formal launch of Artists’ Union England, a new trade union for visual and applied artists. Taking place at the Showroom, London, the event included a panel discussion and was the first of three public events taking place this week.
On 16 and 17 May in Newcastle the group’s founding members will be hosting a series of informal events as part of Newcastle and Gateshead’s Late Shows.
Artists’ Union England Chair, Newcastle-based artist Angela Kennedy, explains: “Artists’ Union England wants to challenge the economic inequalities in the art world by working together to negotiate fair pay and better working conditions for artists. We believe in fair remuneration for labour and are against unpaid labour.”
Membership of the union is open to professional visual and applied artists. There will be a three-month grace period until 1 August, after which a membership fee will be introduced.
For more information on Artists’ Union England visit www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
