Praxis: The Artists’ Union of Ireland envisions a progressive and just society that values artists and art. We’re an artists union which recognises that art is an occupation that takes time, training, and risks, and believe that artists should be compensated fairly for this work. Our aim is to unite artists, in the widest sense of the word, and to give them the power to influence their working conditions.
Image courtesy of A4 Sounds Gallery & Studio
Our Vision
Our vision is of a society that values art for its innate worth; one which provides equal, ample, and quality access to art for all. Praxis will deliver on its vision by building power through its membership, giving artists a strong voice and fighting for a fairer and more fulfilling society for all.
Image courtesy of A4 Sounds Gallery & Studio
Objectives
The objectives of Praxis are:
- To build a united, active, and growing membership
- To give members a strong voice in their workplaces
- To support members to resolve workplace grievances and disputes
- To improve the living and working conditions of members
- To provide educational and vocational opportunities for members
- To build an arts community based on solidarity
- To campaign and advocate on behalf of members
- To fight for a progressive and just society
- To lead a public dialogue on the value of art
- To establish the union as a permanent, effective and influential organisation
Strategy
Praxis: The Artists’ Union of Ireland exists first and foremost for its members. Our strategy is based on a principle of grassroots organising, which draws its strength from an active, empowered, and growing membership. The union will achieve its objectives by:
- Recruiting a membership that is reflective of the diversity of artists
- Empowering members to become union representatives and organisers
- Cultivating effective communication between members and the union
- Listening to members, fighting on issues that are a priority for them
- Encouraging members to be actively involved in disputes and campaigns
- Providing opportunities for members to learn and interact
- Using collective actions where necessary
- Maintaining democracy, accountability, and transparency within the union
- Building alliances with other organisations and causes that share the union’s objectives
Image courtesy of A4 Sounds Gallery & Studio
Our Principles
01) We believe that artists and art are essential to a healthy society.
02) We believe that art should be available to all.
03) We believe that artists should receive at least a living wage for their work.
04) We believe in equality among artists, in all art forms and in all stages of their career.
05) We believe in the liberation of marginalised groups and stand against all forms of discrimination and prejudice.
06) We believe in the freedom of artistic expression.
07) We believe that the arts should be publicly and adequately funded.
08) We believe that giving artists a strong voice in their workplaces improves the quality of art.
09) We believe that artistic collaboration and cooperation between artists, rather than competition, allows the arts to flourish.
10) We believe that artists have the necessary experience and expertise to lead change in the art sector.
11) We believe that collective organising and bargaining are effective and necessary methods of delivering change, in the art sector and in wider society.
01) We believe that artists and art are essential to a healthy society.
02) We believe that art should be available to all.
03) We believe that artists should receive at least a living wage for their work.
04) We believe in equality among artists, in all art forms and in all stages of their career.
05) We believe in the liberation of marginalised groups and stand against all forms of discrimination and prejudice.
06) We believe in the freedom of artistic expression.
07) We believe that the arts should be publicly and adequately funded.
08) We believe that giving artists a strong voice in their workplaces improves the quality of art.
09) We believe that artistic collaboration and cooperation between artists, rather than competition, allows the arts to flourish.
10) We believe that artists have the necessary experience and expertise to lead change in the art sector.
11) We believe that collective organising and bargaining are effective and necessary methods of delivering change, in the art sector and in wider society.
info@praxisunion.ie
