Cultural Work Is Work

So, you’re thinking UNION but don’t know where to start? This workshop intended to introduce artists and cultural workers to the fundamentals of forming a union and/or collective bargaining. The first half of the workshop will be largely informational but discussion-based, contextualizing the state of broader labor movement, as well as recent campaigns for workplace equity in the cultural sector (ie unionization efforts at BAM, MOMA, New Museum, WAGE’s activism, etc). We’ll also look at the incredible work Human Resources for Art Workers is doing on this front. This section will close out with a conversation around the possibilities and limitations of workplace unionization and alternative models for collective action.

In the second half of the workshop, we’ll get practical. Digging into the logistical and legal processes that go into forming a union, we’ll also discuss the Los Angeles labor landscape, hopefully providing all you Norma/n Rae’s out there with a practical guide to kicking off a unionization effort at your workplace.

Cordelia Istel is a performer/artist whose work is informed and expanded by over a decade of experience as an organizer, educator, and administrator. Her current work explores labor issues and resource flows within the cultural economy. She has performed and presented work at numerous venues in Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Mexico City, Paris, and Brussels.

Chris Tyler is a cultural organizer and performing artist based in Los Angeles. Recent projects include I love you so much, SQUEEZE ME TO DEATH (Highways Performance Space) and NO CRUISING (NAVEL). In New York, Chris collaborated on the BAM administrative staff’s recent (and successful) effort to join Local 2110 UAW.