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The Australian Artists Association (AAA) was formed in 1984. 2009 marks our twenty fifth anniversary! In contrast with our early period of focused politicking, the past few years have been relatively quiet for the organisation and we have kept a low profile. However, rumbles of change are afoot!

As you may recall the AAA was originally established as a lobby group representing the needs of professional artists. Our initial challenges included lobbying the Minister for the Arts in relation to artists donating artworks and working closely with the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) and Arts Law on submissions to Government and the Tax Office. Our efforts spanned subjects such as the GST, the PAYG system, losses from non commercial activities as well as the unique nature of carrying on business as an artist.

In addition to our lobbying role we have also assumed the role of a peer group body, paying tribute to a number of artists for their outstanding contribution to the arts by awarding specially designed medallions at a series of celebratory presentation events (past awardees are: Roger Kemp, Lloyd Rees, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, John Coburn, Charles Blackman, Judy Casaab, Robert Juniper, Arthur Boyd and Louis Kahan). Feedback tells us that such social events are popular and regarded as an important catalyst for the creative community as well as valuable public exposure for the AAA membership.

Over recent months the AAA Board met and discussed directions for the organisation, seeking ways to revitalise and update the relevance of membership.

Plans for the future include the following:

• a seasonal quarterly members’ newsletter
• a program of regular social functions in Sydney and Melbourne, including the ‘Medal Presentation dinner’
• a range of special AAA members discounts on travel, accommodation, arts supplies, gallery bookshops, and insurance
• venues for regular informal drinks/chats

We are keen to hear from our members and value your input into AAA’s future directions, so please email us atinfo@australianartistsassociation.org.au and feel free to air your ideas with us.

For your convenience, you can download an annual member’s application form from this page – and we hope that you will sign up and join us for an exciting year ahead.

With warm regards
Tom Lowenstein
Executive Director
AAA