In August 1947 nine prominent New York artists founded the Artists Equity Association. Yasuo Kuniyoshi was elected its first President.

The 1950s brought rapid growth in membership and chapters were opened in many states. In 1959 the New York Chapter, with numbers greater than all other chapters combined, reorganized and continued independently from the National Organization.

NYAEA now has over 3,000 members in the New York metropolitan area as well as world-wide, making it one of the largest organizations of its kind in this country. It is governed by a constitution ratified by its members and its affairs are administered by an elected board of directors and a president.

Its primary purpose is to disseminate information regarding legislation and legal rights, all in the interest of effectively addressing “survival” issues specifically relevant to artists.

In furtherance of that goal there is no medium too daunting, no economic climate too punishing, no political atmosphere too oppressive, to inhibit the New York Artist Equity Association.

“NYAEA is the advocacy voice of the artists and always takes a strong position in support of the rights, privileges, and opportunities of artists everywhere. It is in the interests of everyone concerned with the condition of art and artists in our society to be a member of NYAEA.” – Jack Stewart