About The American Guild of Musical Artists
We cannot talk about the AGMA Relief Fund without sharing the history of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
Founded in the spring of 1936 as an organization of solo musical artists, AGMA’s humble beginnings were the result of a conference between Lawrence Tibbett, Jascha Heifetz, and Alma Gluck. The earliest members and advisors included the likes of Richard Bonnelli, Frank Chapman, Richard Crooks, Kirsten Flagstad, George Gershwin, Frank La Forge, John McCormack, Lauritz Melchior, James Melton, Lily Pons, Andres Segovia, Gladys Swarthout, Deems Taylor, Fred Waring, Paul Whiteman, Efrem Zimbalist and many others.
Originally, AGMA was an independent organization. However, in August 1937, AGMA was granted a charter from the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (the “4As”) to cover the fields of grand opera, concert, and recital. AGMA immediately began an intense campaign to organize artists throughout the country. By the fall of 1937, the very first negotiated AGMA agreement was signed with the Southern California Symphony Association, recognizing AGMA as the exclusive bargaining agent for all solo and chorus singers and ballet dancers.
Today, AGMA remains the labor union of singers, dancers, and staging staff in opera, ballet and contemporary dance, and concert choral performance in the United States. A national union with a membership of ~7,000 artists, AGMA provides forceful advocacy and defense of its members’ employment and artistic rights. AGMA negotiates and enforces over 70 collective bargaining agreements throughout the country, ensuring fair and safe working conditions and enhancing the quality of life of its members. AGMA has a direct charter from the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO Branch of Associated Actors and Artists of America and the Department for Professional Employees (DPE). AGMA is also a part of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG).
The Union operates as a distinct legal entity from the AGMA Relief Fund, governed by its own Board of Governors and supported by a dedicated professional staff.
agmarelief.org 