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Artists' Union England

@artistsunioneng.bsky.social
274 followers 16 following 396 posts

An independent union fighting for fair pay, good working conditions and sustainable futures for visual and socially engaged artists. Join for just £48 per year.

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Artists have always used their voices and their practice to stand against oppression, and artists are standing with Palestine. But artists are also facing censorship and cancellation for speaking out in support of Palestine.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“I am so pleased you exist!” Feedback like this means a huge amount to us. Thank you to our members who take the time to share your experiences, thoughts and encouragement. Being an artist can be a struggle, but you don't have to navigate it alone.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Last week at TUC Congress, our Co-Chair Loraine Monk delivered a seconding speech for Motion 75, moved by UCU. Her words were a powerful reminder of why the creative arts matter: not just as a source of joy and livelihood, but as a force for understanding, peace, and hope in a fractured world.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
10,000 strong on Instagram! Thank you to every follower, whether you're a member of AUE or someone who believes in solidarity and sustainable futures for artists. Solidarity is a creative practice.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO APPLY! AUE is seeking a UK based Social Media Co-ordinator with a strong interest in and commitment to the arts sector and trade union movement.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
It's your last chance to register for our AGM! As Katriona says, “if you care about the collective activity of the union, please come.”
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
📢 NEW WEBSITE! 📢  AUE is excited to launch our new website, designed and built by @commonknowledge.coop – a not-for-profit workers cooperative using design and technology to help movements build power.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
We did it 🇵🇸 Today at TUC Congress, delegates voted to carry Artists’ Union England’s motion on Palestine: Support for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, moved by our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne. This is a significant moment for the trade union movement.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
AI is not sci-fi. It's happening now. And we will not stand by while our creative work is stolen to build someone else's fortune. Many of our members are rightfully concerned - and rightfully angry. Generative AI is being trained on artists' and cultural workers' labour without any opt-out clause.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
It’s Day 1 at this year’s TUC Congress and we're making sure artists’ voices are part of the wider trade union movement. Artists are workers, but too often our working conditions are overlooked.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Artists' Union England has joined Amnesty International UK and other organisations in signing a statement on the escalating racist violence and intimidation across the UK.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
What changes after an artist gets support from the union? For us, it's seeing a shift in confidence. Many artists already know when something isn't right, they just aren't sure how to challenge it. Our job is to help them understand what they deserve and leave ready to advocate for themselves.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Invoice overdue? Here’s what you can do: 1. Send a friendly email reminder 2. Add a late fee to your invoice 3. Get in touch with AUE! If you’re having trouble getting your invoice paid on time, we are here to support you.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
What’s one piece of advice every artist should take away? Always have a clear contract before agreeing to do any work. Having things in writing can help prevent misunderstandings and give you something to refer back to if a problem comes up.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Could you be our new Treasurer? Artists’ Union England is looking for someone organised, trustworthy, and passionate about supporting artists to join our Executive Committee as Treasurer. What will you do?
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
What’s really affecting artists right now? We asked our dedicated caseworker to share the most common concerns our members are coming to us with. Scroll to hear what they had to say. Feeling unsure about your rights? You’re not alone. Many artists come to us unsure of where they stand.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Got something to say? Say it at our AGM. Submit a proposal and help shape AUE’s priorities and campaigns for the year ahead. Agreed motions go straight into the Executive Committee’s work plan, so this is your chance to make your voice heard at a national level. Sun 20th Sept 11.00am - 1.00pm
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Our co-chairs, Zita and Loraine, are heading to Brighton for the 158th annual TUC Congress, championing artists at the heart of the trade union movement. If you’re at Congress between 13th-16th September, make sure to say hi! #TUC26 #artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #fairpay #unionstrong
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
AUE is seeking a Social Media Co-ordinator with a strong interest in and commitment to the arts sector and trade union movement. The successful candidate will have excellent design and copy writing skills and experience using social media strategically to strengthen grassroots organising.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Artists' Union England is celebrating new European Union legislation that means all new AI-generated images appearing in the EU market must now be labelled. The rule became mandatory across the EU from 2 August, with existing images given a further four months to comply.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Artists and creative workers are facing immense pressure and financial precarity, yet they continue to enrich communities, drive local growth, and sustain the country’s cultural fabric.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Keen to shape AUE's priorities? Register now to attend our AGM! Sun 20th Sept 11.00am - 1.00pm Members can submit proposals for discussion, and proposals agreed at the AGM will inform the work of the Executive Committee over the next year.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Our Executive Committee and union staff recently came together for an away day to reflect, plan and prepare for the months ahead. The day focused on our upcoming AGM, strengthening how we work together as a union, and developing the motions we'll be taking to this year's TUC Congress.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Our Annual General Meeting is where members come together to hear updates, vote on decisions, and shape what the union does next. It’s a space to ask questions, share ideas, and make sure the union reflects the needs of artists like you.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Could you be our new Treasurer? AUE is looking for someone organised, trustworthy, and passionate about supporting artists to join our Executive Committee as Treasurer. What will you do? - Oversee finances and budgets - Keep records clear and transparent - Help shape the future of AUE
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Keen to shape AUE's priorities? Register now to attend our AGM! Sun 20th Sept 11.00am - 1.00pm Members can submit proposals for discussion, and proposals agreed at the AGM will inform the work of the Executive Committee over the next year.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Insurance isn’t exciting or glamorous. But it is absolutely necessary. And when you join AUE, it’s included in the price of your membership - just £4 a month.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Unpaid fees, unsafe working conditions, a broken contract, discrimination, sudden changes at work, or arguing over pay? When you join Artists’ Union England, you gain access to experienced caseworkers who will support you in defending your rights to fair pay, respect, and good working conditions.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Today, as thousands gathered for the 140th Durham Miners' Gala, we celebrated the enduring power of collective action. The Gala is more than a celebration of history. It reminds us that every right won and every community defended begins with people standing together.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Join Artists’ Union England on Saturday 11th July at the 140th Durham Miners' Gala! AUE members will be marching together and carrying our banner with pride - join us for this fantastic celebration of trade unionism, community spirit and international solidarity.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
2,500 members. And growing. Thank you to every artist who has joined AUE and helped strengthen our fight for fair pay, dignity, access and sustainable futures. Here's to growing our voice, our solidarity and our impact.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Artists’ Union England sends solidarity to everyone attending this year’s TUC LGBT+ Conference. We stand with LGBT+ workers, trade unionists and activists in the fight for equality, dignity and justice.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Artists and creative workers are facing immense pressure and financial precarity, yet they continue to enrich communities, drive local growth, and sustain the country’s cultural fabric.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Are you attending the Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday 11 July, and would you be interested in marching with an AUE bloc? The 140th Gala is a major celebration of trade unionism, community and solidarity, with banners and brass bands marching through Durham.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Invoice overdue? You have the legal right to charge a late payment fee. Under UK law, businesses can charge statutory interest on late payments at 8% plus the Bank of England base rate for business-to-business transactions.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Marking the appointment of Dawn Airey as the new Chair of Arts Council England, Artists Union England reiterates our call on ACE to uphold the arm’s length principle and refuse government interference in its decision making.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
We created our rates of pay guidelines to help artists at every stage of their career know what to charge - not just for their time, but for the full value of their work. Use these guidelines to set fair rates and break down your fees confidently.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Did you know you can pay your union subs monthly? For just £4 a month you’ll have access to the support of our dedicated caseworker whenever issues at work arise, access to 30mins of free legal advice, and automatically get £5m Public and Products Liability Insurance.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
A just world for all is one in which we all take hold of the responsibility to care for the environment. AUE campaigns for sustainable futures, equality, respect and access in every aspect of life and work,
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Behind every artist-run space, community exhibition, local workshop, open studio, creative campaign, and mutual aid project is someone giving their time to make it happen. This Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating the artists who don't just make art -
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Pride began as protest. And that spirit is as vital as ever. This Pride Month, Artists’ Union England stands in solidarity with LGBTQ+ artists and communities everywhere.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
“Bread” = survival. Rent, heating, food, pensions, stable income, a secure place to live and work. “Roses” = everything that makes life worth living. Time to create, community, culture, experimentation, joy.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
3 DAYS LEFT to sign the petition calling the UK government to rejoin Creative Europe. Creative Europe support international collaboration, exhibitions, residencies and vital funding opportunities for artists across Europe.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
There’s something powerful about artists coming together simply to listen, reflect, and support one another. A huge thank you to those who attended our recent Artists’ Support Cuppa and to Nell Croose Myhill for facilitating such a thoughtful Ways of Working session.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Standing up to a large organisation on your own can feel overwhelming and isolating. But as one of 2,400 union members, you’re never alone - you have strength in solidarity.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
What does it really mean to be a self-employed artist right now? For the majority, it means low pay, unstable income, and a system that expects artists to carry the weight of multiple roles just to get by.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
96.4% of AUE members surveyed earned less than the UK median annual wage of £35,004 for the 2022/23 tax year. We urge all artists to use our rates of pay guidelines, which outline half-day and full-day rates for artists of all levels of experience.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
We are calling out misogyny, sexual harassment, and the ongoing impact of gender stereotyping - especially for women in precarious, self-employed work who are often left without protection. We’ve heard the stories before - What we need is action, better protections and meaningful change.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
It’s International Workers’ Day and we’re celebrating the hands, minds, and voices that make art possible. To every artist and art worker: your labor has value. Your voice matters. Our solidarity is power. Art isn’t just passion - it’s work. And it deserves to be respected, protected, and paid.
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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
“Whether in the artisan villages of Ancient Egypt or in front of New York’s Guggenheim Museum as workers rallied for fair contracts, visual culture has recorded one constant truth: artists have always been on the picket line.”
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