Artists Union Local 503
Donation protected
Artists' Union Local 503 is a grassroots community effort that helps better the welfare of independent working artists & creative people in Portland, Oregon (and surrounding areas). We hosted our first official meeting & began as an organization on Mayday, 2016.
While there has been a precedent for an Artists' Union in the 1930's, during the time of the "original" Great Depression, and while there are other Artists' Unions in other countries (such as England or places in Europe), no Artists' Union currently exists in the United States. We are proud to take up this role in what has now become one of America's most arts-and culture-focused communities, here in good ole' "Portlandia".
We're here, now, to accomplish some very specific goals that are vital to the health, welfare, social support, and continued career success of the independent working artists in our region. Some of these include:
ADVOCACY
-For affordable, safe and sustainable work spaces/art studio spaces and retail presence
-For those who produce valuable works of art/creative effort to be regarded with the same respect and consideration that their works inspire
-For fair treatment and bargaining power when dealing with clients, customers, landlords, contractors, the legal system, local government, and so on
-For an official "voice" to represent our diverse community of members, and their unique concerns, to local communities, other groups/organizations, and local governments
SOLIDARITY
-Increased confidence and sense of security that comes from being part of a supportive, encouraging community
-The power to network, develop positive relations & opportunities, and help strengthen the overall efforts of our wide variety of independent arts and social activist orgs. in our region
-Ability to participate in a variety of events, members-only exhibitions, fundraisers, volunteer efforts, mentoring, and social actions
-Amplified "clout" and influence that comes only with the strength in numbers that Union organizing can provide!
SUPPORT
-Flexible memberships that will be accessible to anyone who needs them, regardless of income level
-Member Benefits such as group health insurance, legal advice hotline, discounts on local goods & services, a Member Profile page that features the member artist's work and personal goals to be supported, and more
-Referral to local area resources that can help reduce barriers to a stable, happy, productive working life
-Mentoring and learning opportunities for those working artists/creatives who are in need of a "hand up" to help get established within their industry
-A lively and resource-rich social networking group on Facebook
... And that's just the beginning!
WHAT WILL MY DONATION GO TOWARDS?
Currently, we are establishing seed funding for operating expenses. Your contributions will be put directly to work to help us grow and be able to accomplish the goals set forth above!
With your donation, we can:
-Purchase professionally printed marketing materials (flyers, banners, posters, business cards, etc.) and necessary office supplies
-Fund our upcoming planned events for the next year, including fundraising events & events for the benefit of our local community (space rental, promotions, etc.)
-Purchase services to be provided to our members (Proposed services include Legal Shield subscription, group health & dental insurance plans, professional web presence to showcase artwork, discounted subscriptions to co-working or maker spaces, etc.)
-Fund an upgrade of our online presence
-Open a Credit Union account for relevant business and necessary purchases
Once the current donation is met, we will provide a breakdown of exactly how your money was utilized. Plus provide "thank-you" items and acknowledgements to those who contribute over certain dollar amounts!
LONG-RANGE WISH LIST
Once we have been able to establish operations, sometime in the next 6-12 months we hope to:
-Begin gathering resources and income to become self-sufficient as a not-for-profit organization
-Apply for 501(c) status as a Trade Union or similar entity
-Rent a brick-and-mortar space that will serve as our administrative H.Q., rentable art studio/work space, and exhibition/events gallery
-Begin offering Member-focused art exhibitions and community supportive events throughout the Portland Metro area
-Establish a fund for scholarships and/or an Artists' Emergency Fund
-Establish a budget to create paying jobs for our talented Artists Union staff
Sound good? Then please consider making a contribution! If you can chip in even $5 and spread the word to other contributors, we will reach our initial seed funding goal in no time!
Remember: As a grass roots effort, we are starting with ZERO budget. All of the work you see that has already been done, is the product of just a few dedicated, concerned creative folks volunteering their time and effort.
We're working on partnering with organizations that can help take us further, and on locating sources of funding that will be sustainable- but statistically, it is by the help of people like YOU- those folks who contribute directly to causes you care about- that help worthy causes get going and KEEP going. We can't tell you how much we appreciate your support!
Keep up with the latest on Artists' Union here:
Facebook Main Page
Facebook Public Networking Group
Meet and Greet- Currently hosted every 1st Sunday of the month, at the Lucky Labrador on SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR from 2-4pm. Free and open to the public. Bring a project to work on, bring your ideas or concerns, sign up to volunteer, or just stop by to say hi!
Questions? Comments? Want to lend us a hand or donate goods or services instead of $$..? Drop us a line here, or visit us on our website for direct contact info:
Artists' Union Website on Wix
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
-The AU Crew
While there has been a precedent for an Artists' Union in the 1930's, during the time of the "original" Great Depression, and while there are other Artists' Unions in other countries (such as England or places in Europe), no Artists' Union currently exists in the United States. We are proud to take up this role in what has now become one of America's most arts-and culture-focused communities, here in good ole' "Portlandia".
We're here, now, to accomplish some very specific goals that are vital to the health, welfare, social support, and continued career success of the independent working artists in our region. Some of these include:
ADVOCACY
-For affordable, safe and sustainable work spaces/art studio spaces and retail presence
-For those who produce valuable works of art/creative effort to be regarded with the same respect and consideration that their works inspire
-For fair treatment and bargaining power when dealing with clients, customers, landlords, contractors, the legal system, local government, and so on
-For an official "voice" to represent our diverse community of members, and their unique concerns, to local communities, other groups/organizations, and local governments
SOLIDARITY
-Increased confidence and sense of security that comes from being part of a supportive, encouraging community
-The power to network, develop positive relations & opportunities, and help strengthen the overall efforts of our wide variety of independent arts and social activist orgs. in our region
-Ability to participate in a variety of events, members-only exhibitions, fundraisers, volunteer efforts, mentoring, and social actions
-Amplified "clout" and influence that comes only with the strength in numbers that Union organizing can provide!
SUPPORT
-Flexible memberships that will be accessible to anyone who needs them, regardless of income level
-Member Benefits such as group health insurance, legal advice hotline, discounts on local goods & services, a Member Profile page that features the member artist's work and personal goals to be supported, and more
-Referral to local area resources that can help reduce barriers to a stable, happy, productive working life
-Mentoring and learning opportunities for those working artists/creatives who are in need of a "hand up" to help get established within their industry
-A lively and resource-rich social networking group on Facebook
... And that's just the beginning!
WHAT WILL MY DONATION GO TOWARDS?
Currently, we are establishing seed funding for operating expenses. Your contributions will be put directly to work to help us grow and be able to accomplish the goals set forth above!
With your donation, we can:
-Purchase professionally printed marketing materials (flyers, banners, posters, business cards, etc.) and necessary office supplies
-Fund our upcoming planned events for the next year, including fundraising events & events for the benefit of our local community (space rental, promotions, etc.)
-Purchase services to be provided to our members (Proposed services include Legal Shield subscription, group health & dental insurance plans, professional web presence to showcase artwork, discounted subscriptions to co-working or maker spaces, etc.)
-Fund an upgrade of our online presence
-Open a Credit Union account for relevant business and necessary purchases
Once the current donation is met, we will provide a breakdown of exactly how your money was utilized. Plus provide "thank-you" items and acknowledgements to those who contribute over certain dollar amounts!
LONG-RANGE WISH LIST
Once we have been able to establish operations, sometime in the next 6-12 months we hope to:
-Begin gathering resources and income to become self-sufficient as a not-for-profit organization
-Apply for 501(c) status as a Trade Union or similar entity
-Rent a brick-and-mortar space that will serve as our administrative H.Q., rentable art studio/work space, and exhibition/events gallery
-Begin offering Member-focused art exhibitions and community supportive events throughout the Portland Metro area
-Establish a fund for scholarships and/or an Artists' Emergency Fund
-Establish a budget to create paying jobs for our talented Artists Union staff
Sound good? Then please consider making a contribution! If you can chip in even $5 and spread the word to other contributors, we will reach our initial seed funding goal in no time!
Remember: As a grass roots effort, we are starting with ZERO budget. All of the work you see that has already been done, is the product of just a few dedicated, concerned creative folks volunteering their time and effort.
We're working on partnering with organizations that can help take us further, and on locating sources of funding that will be sustainable- but statistically, it is by the help of people like YOU- those folks who contribute directly to causes you care about- that help worthy causes get going and KEEP going. We can't tell you how much we appreciate your support!
Keep up with the latest on Artists' Union here:
Facebook Main Page
Facebook Public Networking Group
Meet and Greet- Currently hosted every 1st Sunday of the month, at the Lucky Labrador on SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR from 2-4pm. Free and open to the public. Bring a project to work on, bring your ideas or concerns, sign up to volunteer, or just stop by to say hi!
Questions? Comments? Want to lend us a hand or donate goods or services instead of $$..? Drop us a line here, or visit us on our website for direct contact info:
Artists' Union Website on Wix
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
-The AU Crew
Organizer
Blossom Savolainen
Organizer
Portland, OR