History
Artists' Equity Mission Statement
Artists' Equity is an aesthetically non-partisan, non-profit, organization for professional, visual artists. Its main function is to improve the economic and working conditions of professional visual artists and to assist in the expansion and protection of artists' rights. Artists Equity is a significant resource network and support group for the artists providing a forum for developing programs and activities in the community to encourage interest and participation in the visual arts. Artists Equity has initiated and continues to support the following enterprise: the annual Monterey County Artists Equity Studio Tour, Arts Habitat, support for the Youth Arts Collective, Art Day which we co-sponsored with the Cultural Council of Monterey county, and shows for Artists Equity Members.
Artists Equity is a significant resource network and support group for the artists providing a forum for developing professional techniques in their work and sale of their art work. Working together artists can strengthen their position in the community.
The National Artists Equity Association was started in 1947 as a means of working collectively to address the concerns of the profession. The Central Coast Chapter was founded in 1987.
ARTISTS EQUITY ADVOCACY PAYS OFF
The Dec. 5 San Francisco Chronicle carried an article reporting on the recent application of moral rights legislation that National Artists Equity Association (NAEA) promoted first in California (1979 Calif. Art Preservation Act) and then nationally with the passage of the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990. Under this legislation, artists' sold works are protected against intentional alteration, mutilation or destruction. According to the article, San Francisco collectors Ann and Gordon Getty have settled a $500,000 lawsuit brought by artist Garth Benton, a muralist with an international reputation, when he learned that the Gettys had “whited out” several of his large canvasses.
This is not the first time artists have used the Art Preservation Act, and the Chronicle article reported also that a $175,000 settlement was paid to artist Kent Twitchell when his mural overlooking the Hollywood Freeway, “The Old Woman of the Freeway,” was painted over by a billboard company.
This, and other examples of artists rights legislation (such as the California Artist-Dealer Relations Law, and the California Resale Royalties Act) came about as a result of the efforts of individual artists who joined Artists Equity and organized for collective advocacy. They brought about historic change that continues to serve the visual artists profession today. There is much yet to be done, and all artists are invited to join in the effort."
