Artists United!
Well, not particularly ...
Many groups have attempted to forge coalitions, but none has inspired a singular national voice for professional artists and craftspeople
By Christopher Boyce
Doctors have the American Medical Association. Teachers have the National Education Association. Lawyers have the American Bar Association. And artists and craftspeople have ... Take your pick.
According to the American Society of Association Executives (yes, even associations have an association), there are more than 147,000 such membership groups in the U.S. Almost every profession seems to have at least one that is perceived as central to bringing people together in a particular field. In arts and crafts, however, there is no singular organization - even among show-circuit regulars - that has achieved the national prominence and longevity necessary to be regarded as truly representative of the profession.
Instead, artists have had to rely primarily on more narrowly focused organizations, particularly those that target their memberships to a specific craft or region. While some of these groups have produced significant achievements, many artists and crafters still crave a comprehensive and cohesive national organization that could fight larger battles for artists and help them win greater benefits.
"Artists need [group] heath insurance like everyone else, but there seems to be a lack of interest" in joining organizations that can offer such a plan, says Arlene Rakoncay, director of the Chicago Artists Coalition (CAC).
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