Art Institution Workers Unionize from MoMA to Tate Modern, Following 1970s Activist Legacy
Employees from prominent art organizations such as the Whitney Museum, Tate Modern, Dia Foundation, MASS MoCA, and the Guggenheim have opted to unionize, reflecting a resurgence of a movement that began in the late 1960s. The Art Workers’ Collective (AWC) in New York previously criticized MoMA for restricting artistic freedom. Although it disbanded in 1971, the AWC laid the groundwork for the Professional and Administrative Staff Association (PASTA) at MoMA, marking the first union in the U.S. Currently, MoMA's union is affiliated with UAW Local 2110. President Maida Rosenstein observes a change in perceptions regarding low wages. In the UK, Faiza Mahmood points out the difficulties of organizing, recommending research on unions and the establishment of pro-union groups. MoMA's union has achieved improved pay and working conditions, akin to advancements in other sectors.
Key facts
- Workers at the Whitney Museum, Tate Modern, Dia Foundation, MASS MoCA, and the Guggenheim have voted to join unions in recent years.
- The Art Workers’ Collective (AWC) was formed in New York City in the late 1960s, criticizing MoMA for artistic constraints and board members supporting the Vietnam War.
- Joseph Kosuth designed a fake MoMA membership card with the AWC logo to protest for free public entry.
- The Professional and Administrative Staff Association (PASTA) formed at MoMA in 1971, noted as the first such union in the U.S. by the New York Times.
- MoMA's union is now part of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2110, representing institutions like the New Museum of Contemporary Art and the New-York Historical Society.
- UAW Local 2110 President Maida Rosenstein highlights a change in worker attitudes, with less acceptance of low pay for prestige.
- In the UK, Faiza Mahmood organized at the Museum of London under Prospect, addressing issues like uncomfortable uniform shoes for front-of-house staff.
- Gareth Spencer of the PCS Culture Group reports increased union membership after Tate Modern's 2020 strike, advocating for better pay through unionization.
Entities
Artists
- Joseph Kosuth
Institutions
- Whitney Museum
- Tate Modern
- Museum of Modern Art
- Art Workers’ Collective
- Professional and Administrative Staff Association
- United Auto Workers Local 2110
- New Museum of Contemporary Art
- New-York Historical Society
- Dia Foundation
- MASS MoCA
- Guggenheim
- Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union
- Museum of London
- Prospect
- Hayward Gallery
- Southbank Centre
- Public and Commercial Services Union Culture Group
- HarperCollins
- Columbia University
- New York Times
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- UK
- London