Art Workers Italia: A New Union for Italy's Art Workers
In March 2020, a Facebook group catalyzed the creation of ART WORKERS ITALIA (AWI), which focuses on the challenges faced by Italy's art professionals during the COVID-19 crisis. This informal and nonpartisan collective boasts over 2,000 members. On May 1, 2020, AWI unveiled its website and manifesto, which encompasses all contemporary art figures. The organization strives to create mechanisms for safeguarding art workers, advocating for immediate financial assistance, the extension of 'Cura Italia' benefits, tax relief for freelancers, rent regulation for nonprofits, and fair compensation for digital content. Its long-term objectives include establishing a professional charter, formalizing work, introducing new ATECO codes, equitable resource distribution, creating a fund for visual artists, and reforming grant processes. AWI functions without a hierarchical structure, utilizing Zoom for its meetings.
Key facts
- AWI was formed in March 2020 from a Facebook group.
- AWI has over 2,000 members.
- AWI launched its website and manifesto on May 1, 2020.
- AWI is informal, autonomous, and nonpartisan.
- AWI includes all figures working in public and private contemporary art entities.
- AWI demands basic economic support, extension of Cura Italia decree, tax relief, rent control, and regulation of digital content compensation.
- Long-term goals include a professional charter, new ATECO codes, equitable redistribution, a visual artists fund, and reform of grants and prizes.
- AWI uses Zoom for meetings and has no hierarchy.
Entities
Institutions
- ART WORKERS ITALIA
- AWI
- Ministero per i Beni culturali e per il Turismo
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy