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WHAT IS THE CONGRESS?

An independent organization of artists from all parts of America who believe in the importance of art and wish to extend the influence of the artist, who to extend the influence of the artist, who are determined to preserve the world of art from the destruction that constantly threatens. The Congress opposes war and forces in the land that lead toward war; it seeks freedom of spirit, democracy in social organization, and conditions in the world that encourage creative activity and make for the growth of art.

WHO IS IN THE CONGRESS?

The membership of the Congress is composed of artists of recognized standing in their profession, of genuine reputation, of distinction in their community. The lists extend from coast to coast and include painters, sculptors and graphic artists. There are no barriers of color, race or aesthetic creed. The National Chairman is Max Weber; Vice-Chairmen are George Biddle, Rockwell Kent, Paul Manship, Arnold Blanch and Joe Jones; the Executive Secretary is Stuart Davis.

WHAT DOES THE CONGRESS DO?

The dominant function of the Congress is to present to the American people the point of view of artists on those things that most vitally concern them. To do this, the Congress holds meetings, lectures and symposia on such varied subjects as Abstract Art, Surrealism, The Artist in Relation to War and Fascism, with speakers of the greatest diversity of opinion, ranging from Salvatore Dali to Lewis Mumford and Rockwell Kent.

It presents an annual National Membership Exhibition as well as exhibitions of other kinds of which two held during 1936 were "War and Fascism: an International Exhibition of Cartoons, Drawings and Prints" and "America Today: an Exhibition of 100 Prints." The latter was shown simultaneously in thirty cities. Artists whose work has been exhibited by the Congress extend from the fifteenth century to our own time, and cover about every country in the world. 

When the need arises, the Congress organizes protests to legislative bodies and undertakes boycotts. Congress members, for example, refused to send their work to the Olympic Games held in Nazi Germany, and rejected invitations to participate in the Venice Biennial under Fascist auspices,

WHO CAN JOIN THE CONGRESS?

Membership in the Congress is open to any artist of the first rank living in the United States, without regard to the way he paints or the subject matter he chooses to deal with in his work. He can be academician or modernist, abstractionist, realist or surrealist. The only standard for membership is whether he has achieved a position of distinction in his profession; the only requirement, that he support the program of the Congress against war and fascism.

WHAT ARE CONGRESS BRANCHES?

Where five or more Congress members live in the same locality, those members may form a branch of the Congress, which acts autonomously in the realm of local questions. The Branch makes it possible for the artists in a given place to work collectively on the problems of their profession and at the same time establish bonds through the National organization with their fellow artists in other places. Branches hold meetings both for other artists and for the public, organize exhibitions, distribute the publications of the Congress, and become the local voice of the artists of America united against reaction and for cultural progress.