| The National Association of Independent Artists is a non-profit, volunteer supported organization that has been helping artists for almost a decade. It was established in Chicago in 1995 by a group of Old Town Art Fair artists who recognized the need for an established voice for their artistic community. The purpose of NAIA is to work as an advocate for artists/crafters who exhibit their work at outdoor or indoor art and craft shows. For nearly 10 years one of the main goals of the NAIA has been the establishment and representation of common issues important to this community such as a standard application process and fees, standard artistic categories and slide formats, and more. Working as a liaison between the artists and the show directors, NAIA voices these issues that are important to its membership and the community as a whole. Membership in the NAIA is open to artists who design and produce original artwork and support themselves primarily by the sale of this artwork. Among the benefits that you receive with your yearly membership is the NAIA newsletter and participation in the surveys that help to frame the current issues of the organization. There is also a private on-line member forum at the NAIA website. On the NAIA website you can view the membership rooster and member art gallery. There is a searchable version and a Java version of the art gallery. The resource section is divided into four categories called TipsBoards; At The Show, On The Road, In The Studio/At Work/In The Office, and On The Web. You will want to check out the information in the NAIA At Work section. I found two articles to be very helpful; Artists Information Statement and What Artists Want From Shows. | ||
