Arts workers are organizing unions.
Learn why and how to navigate the unionization process.
Beyond Neutrality’s new research on staff unionization in dance and visual arts reveals a field in transition–and an opportunity to build something stronger.
Since 2019, union campaigns at nonprofit arts organizations have surged–rising 220 percent in private museums alone, with a parallel wave sweeping dance companies across the country. The Beyond Neutrality Art & Culture Project examines why this wave is happening, what workers and leaders are experiencing across every phase of the process, and how philanthropy can help the field navigate this moment of profound transformation.
The Beyond Neutrality Arts & Culture Project (ACP) translates the findings from our 2025 discovery research into concrete action. Building on Beyond Neutrality’s existing resources and accompaniment practice, ACP works to strengthen the unionization process in the arts and culture sector through tailored tools and support for arts organizations, multi-stakeholder field engagement, deepened research, and a public narrative strategy that affirms arts workers’ right to organize.
— REPORTS + DOWNLOADS
READ THE FINDINGS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A cross-sector overview of what’s driving the unionization surge, what workers and leaders are experiencing, and recommendations toward making unionization go better.
VISUAL ARTS FINDINGS
An examination of the historic rise in museum worker organizing - why it’s happening, how institutions are responding, and possible paths to improve the unionization process.
DANCE FINDINGS
A look at the growing wave of unionization in professional dance - what’s fueling it, how dancers and company leaders are navigating it, and ideas on what the field needs to move forward.
THE CONVERSATION IS JUST GETTING STARTED!
Explore the findings, connect with the Beyond Neutrality resources, and reach out to learn how Beyond Neutrality can support your organization through the unionization process.
— ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank the Ford Foundation for commissioning and supporting this work. We also are grateful for the generous partnership with arts researchers and advocates at Museums Moving Forward, Dance/NYC, Dance/USA, and American Guild of Musical Artists. Finally, we extend our deepest appreciation to the 40+ dancers, museum workers, company leaders, union representatives and philanthropists who spoke with us so candidly out of deep love for the arts.