Who We Are
We are a nonprofit organization of over 400 Maine artists and art lovers begun in 1975 to support one another and protest unfair practices in the arts and against the common good.
Our Vision
We recognize that artists’ connections to one another and the world enhance their creativity and support, as well as enrich the common good. Our vision is the creation of an interconnected, mutually supportive, ever-growing and sustainable, state-wide community of visual artists and an informed public that treasures and supports the arts and artists.
Our Mission
UMVA advocates for Maine art and artists to promote the common good.
Today
We continue historical advocacy through our prestigious Maine Arts Journal, Maine Masters film series seen on PBS Television and other hands-on, community projects. Our new emphasis is on interconnecting the arts, artists and the public for the common good. The Midcoast/Downeast and Portland regional chapters come together in bimonthly meetings to organize mutual exhibits and support.
What We Do
We advocate for Maine art and artists to promote the common good. We do that through a strategic plan with seven major goals:
Camaraderie – Interconnect artists and the public through informative, inspirational studio visits, talks, workshops and other gatherings around the state.
Exhibitions – Find and realize member exhibition and sales opportunities around the state.
Advocacy – Continue our longstanding, prominent and successful projects: Maine Arts Journal, Maine Masters film series, hands-on Artists’ Rapid Response Team! (ARRT!), LumenARRT! projections, and Sponsorship of nonprofit art projects. (link to PROJECTS).
Communications – Use the website, newsletter and other means to inform the public of our activities and offer connectivity, development, promotion and resources to Maine artists.
Outreach – Partner with artists, other art organizations, schools, businesses and communities for mutual support.
Management – Lead and grow an effective, efficient, sustainable and transparent nonprofit organization dedicated to Maine art and artists.
Funding – Acquire the financial support we need to be sustainable, if not self-sufficient.