Workers at Arts Service Nonprofit New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Move to Unionize

Workers at New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), a NYC-based nonprofit arts service organization with a national and global reach, are moving to unionize for the first time in NYFA’s 50+ year history with Local 2110 of the United Auto Workers (UAW). Staff members cite a lack of transparency and structure for career advancement as well as a desire for fair wages and sustainable working conditions as reasons for unionizing.

NYFA offers in-person and virtual arts programs, services, and opportunities tailored to the needs of its creative community–which includes artists of all disciplines and cultural workers. Its four flagship programs include Learning, Awards & Grants, Fiscal Sponsorship, and Online resources, with approximately 1 million constituents served annually in person and online.

“NYFA exists to empower artists and cultural workers. As staff, that’s what we believe in and why we work here,” said Kelly Olshan, a senior member of NYFA’s professional development team. “We envision a world in which creatives are valued and are able to build fulfilling, sustainable lives and careers. This mission should apply internally to NYFA staff,” she added. Read more in ARTNews and follow the NYFA Union on Instagram!