The American Federation of Arts Nov 171954 NEW YOHK HEADQUARTERS: 1083 Fifth Avenue, New York 28, N. Y. • SAcramento 2-2452 DIBEffiTPR MEMORANDUM November 15, 195^ TO; Officers and Trustees of The American Federation of Arts FROMs Wynn Povers In order to file our registration statement as a charitable organization which is now required by the State of New York, it is necessary to receive the consent of each person whose name appears on our letterhead and other promotion material for the use of his name. This is merely a technicality, but we are required to have these "consent forms" in our files. For your information the following is the text of Section k&3 of the Soc­ ial Welfare Lav. "S U83. Unauthorized use of names when soliciting or collecting contrib­ utions . 1. No nerson, vho is required to register, pursuant to sections four hun­ dred eighty-two, four hundred eighty-tvo-f or four hundred eighty-tvo-h of this article, shall use the name of any other person for the purpose of soliciting contributions from persons in this state, vithout the written consent of such other person. 2. A person shall be deemed to have used the name of another person for the purpose of soliciting contributions if such latter person's name is listed on any stationery, advertisement, brochure or correspondence of the charitable organization or his name is listed or referred to as one vho has contributed to, sponsored, or endorsed the charitable organization or its activities. 3. A violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor." Will you please complete this form at your earliest convenience and return f<S it to us In the enclosed envelope. MEMORANDUM TO THE TRUSTEE OF AFA July 30, 1951* SUBJECTS Summary of Executive Committee Meeting Minutes On July 15th, seven members of the Executive Committee met at the River Club for a luncheon meeting which was long and fruitful in both discussion and development of Ideas. Full minutes of this meeting have been made and approved as such by the President „ The following is a summary of Important points covered. 1. Finances A special audit was presented showing that, with the exception of an anticipated lack of income in special fees for exhibitions, tiie first six months were within approximately $1,000 of a balanced operation. Mr. Neuberger proposed that henceforth discussion of finances be eliminated from Trustees gatherings, and that reports only should suffice and be made period­ ically by the Treasurer and Finance Committee. Mr, Heuberger stated that he felt meetings of Trustees should be concerned with the other business of the Federation such as its activities, its services, and especially Its plans and projects for the future. Mr. Heuberger proposed that the Federation seen an endowment of $100,000 in gifts of $5,000 apiece, which would be most benefic­ ial to the stability of AFA and to the soliciting of grants from foundations. 2. Westport QoaBrunity Art Associations The Director reported that the West- port experiment was developing satisfactorily. He read a letter from their chairman asking AFA for cooperation in obtaining a fine initial exhibition of paintings to be borrowed from the Metropolitan Museum far the opening of the program in Westport in October. 3. Conventions Mr. Longwell presented an outline for the Convention. The details are being sent to the Trustees in a letter from Mr. Rudd. The Com­ mittee approved Mr. Longwell's plans. k. AFA - Hew York Graphic Society Exhibitions The plan for an AFA organized exhibition of fine reproductions, to be offered to Chapters below normal cost for use in local and regional educational work, and from which reproductions could be sold with a profit to the local institution, was presented by the Director. Approval was granted to Mr. Longwell to proceed with further In­ vestigation and proper action at his discretion. Under such an arrangement with the Hew York Graphic Society the Federation would be assisting in the development of art education, particularly in art institutions away from the big cities. AFA would receive for its services from the New York Graphic Society sufficient funds to repay administration and out-of-pocket expenses. 5. Statement of Artistic Freedoms A Statement of Artistic Freedom, a copy of which, marked confidential, is attached hereto, drawn up by the Committee on Artistic Freedom, was referred by the Committee to the whole board for study, so that at the next full meeting of the Board this statement could be introduced for consideration. 6. Executive Sessions Mr. Cumming presented a six months report in the form of a memorandum, and was then excused from the meeting which continued in Execu­ tive Session. After stating that the first half of the year had gone well, the memorandum requested information as to the status of Mr. Cumming's appointment AUG 4 1964 IWflBat as Director, scheduled to expire on December 31st, 195^. It further suggested that should the Federation wish to continue his services in 1955 "they might be better concentrated on promotion and public relations, leaving an Executive Secretary, such as Mrs. Powers, to handle the bulk of office and administrative work. The Executive Committee unanimously agreed to recommend at the next Board meeting that Mr. Gumming be continued at his present salary in the ser­ vice of the Federation for the period January 1 to June 30, 19551 and that the suggestions as to a possible change in duties be left for Mr. Longwell to study and recommend to the Board later on. ^ ./y—D 15 K*s-\ ^-IXAFVV Burton Gumming Secretary CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT STATEMENT ON ARTISTIC FREEDOM In view of current threats to artistic freedom, the Trustees of The American Federation of Arts have adopted the following statement of prin­ ciples to guide the Federation's activities in relation to contemporary arts Freedom of artistic expression, like freedom of speech and press, is fundamental in our democracy. This fundamental right cannot be abridged by the artist's political or social opinions, affiliations or activities. The latter are personal matters, distinct from his work, which should be judged on its merits. The right to freedom of expression includes not only the artist's right to create but his right to exhibit, publish, reproduce, sell or otherwise use his work; and corresponding rights of institutions and individuals to use his work. We of course recognize that freedom of artistic expression, like all freedoms, is subject to such wise restraints as the laws against libel and obscenity. We believe that in this period of international tension and threats tc democracy from both without and within our country, it is essential that our Nation should champion these fundamental rights in all Its cultural activities, We believe that in opposing anti-democratic forces throughout the world the United States should do so by democratic methods, and give no cause for ac­ cusation that it is adopting the methods of Its opponents. We believe that in such cultural actlvitites our Nation should demonstrate the artistic freedom and diversity which are inherent in our democratic society. We believe that such freedom and diversity are the most effective answer to totalitarian thought control and uniformity, and the most effective proof of the strength of democracy. MINUTES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING June 15, 195^ is 00 PM at JUli The Spaeth Foundation, NoY.C. 2 s/5K« Executive Committee Members present wares Thomas Brown Rudd Daniel Longwell Roy R. Neuberger Elclse Spaeth Burton Gumming FINANCES The Director reported on finances for the first five months. The figures given were not verified by the accountant but reasonably close to his statement which was not ready for the meeting. The Administration and Membership Department showed a net gain of approximately $700 including the Carnegie Grants the Exhib­ ition Department showed a net loss of approximately $2,100 including the Carnegie Grant 1 this left an operating loss for the first five months of approximately $1,^00. Accounts receivable, approximately $3,800; accounts payable, approximate­ ly $4,800. The Director explained that the operational loss in exhibitions re­ sulted from the inevitable difference between costs and income from exhibitions and special fees which always must be subject to seasonal fluctuations. With the exception of special fees the Exhibition Department's income actually was exactly where it should be according to the budget. Expenses in both departments are with­ in the budget for the period. Eventually, through already contracted special pro­ jects the special fees will cover the gap. MEMBERSHIP Membership was described as being $3,000 better than last year in income for the same period. So far June shows a good increase in new income over last year and should continue so for the entire month. A continuous effort is being made to hold existing memberships, which have a tendency to lapse because the basic dues have been raised from $10 to $15. So far the attrition has been relatively small. CONTRIBUTIONS Mr. Neuberger reported on contributions, stating that to date approximately $2,800 had been received with enough pledges to raise the total to over $6,000. It was decided that further effort should be made immediately to continue solicitation of trustees for gifts. Mr. Rudd described the need for a working fund of $5,000 which would permit the Federation to pay its bills at once instead of waiting for accounts due AFA to be collected. SPECIAL FEES 1. The Director described a situation in connection with a contract with the govern­ ment for an exhibition of -wetor colors which the Federation has been asked to pre­ pare for overseas circulation.