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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

📢 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.