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^[[Philadelphia Meeting]]  Yasuo Kuniyoshi - 2/11/49

1.  Aesthetically we al have our individual options, and we wear a big sign saying, "please don't tread on me," but when it comes to plain economics, I am sure artists can be of one mind.  Artists Equity was founded on this belief, and went a step further in getting throughout the nation 1400 professional artists within its 2nd year to agree to work for the artist's economic betterment.

This is the first time in America, I believe, that there has been a national, non-political, and aesthetically non-partisan organization where we have all gotten together to work for a common cause.

4 That cause is to survey the artist's world and prepare the groundwork for the improvement of his economic status.  for example, we are not an exhibiting society, but we try to stimulate and interest others, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art to show American artists' work so that all may benefit. Right now we are negotiating with museums and dealers so that non-gallery artist members may have an opportunity to exhibit their work. In the recent Equity publication, which you all received this evening, you will find many of the other things we have accomplished and are planning.

I wish I could say honestly that all our projects will be carried out within a limited time. But I must point out that we have major tasks ahead of us in territory that up to now has