This announcement was originally published in AGMAzine on page six. AGMA is set to distribute its first demographic census in its 85-year history in early 2022. In January 2021, members of AGMA staff and leadership met with the Facilitators of the AGMA Black Caucus, who offered several suggestions as to how AGMA can begin to redress racism and racial disparities union-wide within AGMA, signatory companies, and industries. A demographic census of AGMA’s membership was recommended. Approved by the Board of Governors and born from the resolution Directing Immediate Action on Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Initiatives, this demographic census will allow AGMA to better analyze and understand the impacts of racism, sexism, harass... Read More -->

AGMA is in the process of conducting Area Committee elections across every geographic Area of the Union. The self-nomination period closed on November 30, and there were contested races for certain seats in the New York and Southern California areas. Today, the New York and Southern California Area members in good standing received emails containing more information on their elections as well as a ballot. **The deadline to submit the ballot is December 15 by 6:00 p.m. ET.** The seven other AGMA Areas had no contested races for seats on those Area Committees. As a result, those who self-nominated within those seven areas have been automatically elected to the Area Committee without the need for a vote! Members in good standing of the Mid... Read More -->

Lyric Opera Stage Artists (LOSA) invites all AGMA Artists to join them for LOSA's Second Annual Virtual Holiday Concert! LOSA will be live-streaming through Zoom and the Lyric Opera Stage Artists Facebook page at 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, December 17. Learn more about LOSA here. ... Read More -->

12/6/2021 – The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Ballet Idaho are pleased to announce that the dancers of Ballet Idaho have voted to join AGMA, the labor union of the finest dancers, singers, and staging staff in dance, opera, and concert choral performance throughout the United States. A vote was held on Tuesday, November 30, based upon mutual agreement between AGMA and Ballet Idaho. Given the results, Ballet Idaho has recognized AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the dancers. “AGMA is thrilled to welcome the dancers of Ballet Idaho into the Union,” said Leonard Egert, National Executive Director of AGMA. “We look forward to a collaborative process with the management of Ballet Idaho, as the s... Read More -->

The bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA) would be a game-changer for arts workers. This bill would allow arts workers to deduct on their federal income taxes ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the course of employment -- a deduction arts workers lost when tax reform passed in 2017. Will you join us and ask your members of Congress to cosponsor the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act? As performing artists across the country return to work, the last thing they need is a tax code that punishes them for seeking work. The PATPA fixes this problem and would renew your ability to deduct business expenses like agents and managers fees, equipment, website hosting, and audio/video reels, to name just a fe... Read More -->

Mark your calendars! The next meeting of the AGMA Black Caucus (ABC) will be on Wednesday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m. ET. This meeting will provide time for reflection and holiday celebration! The ABC welcomes all Black AGMA Artists in good standing to join the discussion. Register here. For more information please email blackcaucus@musicalartists.org. ... Read More -->

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Each year #GivingTuesday provides an opportunity for friends and supporters of the AGMA community to come together and support the Relief Fund’s longstanding mission of helping AGMA Artists. On #GivingTuesday, and every day, there are a number of ways you can support the AGMA Relief Fund. Donate! Make a gift of any size to the AGMA Relief FundEncourage others to participate! Forward this email to your network of friends who love and support the ArtsSpread our message! Post about the AGMA Relief Fund on your social media platform... Read More -->

AGMA members interested in running for a seat on their Area Committee should submit all necessary information by TOMORROW, November 30, at 9:00 p.m. ET. To self-nominate, one must complete the form that was emailed to members in good standing earlier today. The form is also available on each Area’s webpage (MyAGMA login required). As a reminder: the electronic ballot will also contain a non-binding referendum on whether or not the AGMA Board of Governors should, like many of our sibling unions, issue political endorsements in elections of particular importance to AGMA and AGMA members. We wish to thank in advance all the nominees for their willingness to be advocates for their fellow union members! Electronic ballots and related e... Read More -->

Open AGMAzine AGMA is happy to announce that the Fall 2021 issue of AGMAzine is here! Follow this link to view/download the PDF or flip through the pages on Issuu. You will read about AGMA's first demographic census, our AFL-CIO charter, an award announcement, and National Election news. Through interviews and personal essays, AGMA Artists share intimate stories about their lives and careers. You'll read of a dancer's search for identity, a first-hand account of the indoor return of LA Opera, and an in-depth interview on Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Additional features include a look into the history of Porgy & Bess, news from Lyric Opera Stage Artists (LOSA), journal entries during Hurricane... Read More -->

While we are still very much in the pandemic that has been the source of so many crises and pain, there are many things for which I am thankful. I am thankful for artists. Our art brought us joy, comfort, and remnants of normalcy during the last 20 months, even if it was in the quiet privacy of our own homes or front porches or balconies and not inside the studio or on the stage. I am thankful for the solidarity and compassion within the AGMA community and the support we received from our fellow unions, from art advocates, and from our beloved opera and dance enthusiasts. I am thankful for the technology that kept us connected and provided us with a creative outlet during the most disconnected, isolating times of our lives. I am... Read More -->