The Condo Association is excited to host a round table discussion lead and moderated by Lucia Love and O.K. Fox of the Art & Labor podcast out of New York City in which we will be discussing the question: “What Would a Unionized Art World Look Like?”

The current economic reality in this country is dire, even for those with advance degrees. Workers are finding it increasingly difficult to support themselves let alone aspire to the material comforts known to earlier generations. Wages stagnate yet the cost of living continues to increase and the burden of debt due to education, medical expenses and credit lines is commonplace. Adequate medical insurance is either unattainable or tied to employment that requires an unmanageable level of commitment yet offers little in terms of job or economic security. Massive wage gaps for women, people of color, queer, trans and non-binary persons continue to exist and with no incentive for employers to advance equitable hiring practices and socially conscious cultural changes steady employment for queer, trans, non-binary and disabled people is difficult to attain. Even with growing awareness of workplace harassment, it continues to be precarious to seek justice for such occurrences. Given the widespread nature of these conditions, it is unsurprising that more and more workers under 40 are interested in core socialist values and unionization.

Though these issues now extend to most employment sectors, the arts continues to be egregious in its exploration of workers and reliance on free labor. Employment in the arts has often been treated as a privilege, making it a difficult career to pursue for those without other means of support. It is now more important than ever to consider the necessity of unionization for art and culture workers and the kinds of efforts that would be required.

Please join us for this important event. A note taker will be present to compile a document with suggestions from the participants in hopes of creating a list of considerations and demands to advance our commitment to fair and equitable labor practices in the arts.

The program will begin with a short presentation by Lucia Love and O.K. Fox introducing the Art & Labor podcast and its inception followed by a moderated round table. There will be a reception at the end with light refreshments to give participants the chance to continue conversations and network.

RSVP using provided Eventbrite link. This is a free event, but RSVP is required so that we may have an accurate headcount to ensure a productive and fruitful discussion.

About Art & Labor:
Art & Labor is a podcast chronicling the stories of social justice organizing within the arts. We hope to center the human cost of the “art world” and advocate for fair labor practices for artists, assistants, fabricators, docents, interns, registrars, janitors, writers, editors, curators, guards, performers, and anyone doing work for art & cultural institutions.

Subscribe to Art & Labor by adding: http://artandlaborpodcast.com/feed/podcast
to your favorite podcatcher.
If you like the podcast and want more, please consider supporting us on Drip:
https://d.rip/artandlabor
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The Condo Association is an art collective comprised of sex positive, anti-fascist, and anti-capitalistic humans seeking to empower and support the creativity and productivity of queer people, people of color, women, and other marginalized bodies.

Unfortunately, the Condo is only accessible via two flights of stairs. The Condo contains two cats. For further questions please email us at: thecondoassociation@gmail.com

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Tags: Art & Labor, Chicago, Lucia Love, O.K. Fox, THE CONDO ASSOCIATION, West Town, What Would a Unionized Art World Look Like?