On September 1st, FADO joins the Independent Artists’ Union (IAU) to march in the annual Labour Day parade—and we want YOU to come too!
Founded in 1984 by a small group of media artists, and spearheaded by Karl Beveridge and the late Carole Condé, the IAU played a transformative role in improving the working conditions of Canadian artists by championing fair compensation and a living wage. Though it was active for only five years, the influence of the IAU continues to shape how artistic labour is understood and valued in Canada today.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT and march with us!
To read more about the IAU, please check the resources below.
“The Independent Artists’ Union (IAU), otherwise known as the IAU, transformed artists’ material conditions through their advocacy for a living wage for artists. Active from 1984 to 1989, the IAU began as a small group of media artists meeting in one another’s kitchens and backyards, and grew to 700 active members spread across Ontario at its height. Its advocacy work and interaction with other actors and institutions endure as an important moment in the development of Canada’s art scene and the understanding of artistic labour.” (Lauren Medeiros, Labour and Ontario’s Visual Arts Sector)
The arts are notorious for underpaying the people who work in them. While most people acknowledge the importance of culture, few know how little is spent on them. Most cultural workers subsidize the arts through their labour. A living culture needs a living wage. (Carole Condé & Karl Beveridge)
FADO recognizes there are many reasons in our world today to march, to protest, and to raise your voice. With this collective action on September 1st, FADO stands in solidarity with the rights of all workers. FADO’s goal is to encourage a revival of the meeting of our local artistic communities—the old guard and the new, artist-run and independent, groups and individuals, legacy and new momentum. A bit like it used to be, and perhaps how it can be again.
Some of the original members of the IAU have marched every year in the Labour Parade from the early 80s up to the 2019 parade. This year, FADO is joining in and encouraging a revival of the MARCH OF THE ARTISTS. Join us, ALL WELCOME!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Parade starts at 9:30am SHARP! Please arrive at 9:15am latest.
- We will have signage/banners to distribute–bring only yourselves!
- FADO + ARTISTS’ UNION march with OPSEU (Ontario Public Service Employees Union).
- Parade route: Queen Street West from University Ave. to Dufferin St., south on Dufferin to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).
- Participants will receive a wristband to enter the Exhibition for free at the parade’s conclusion. NOTE: you must arrive to the rally point at the start of the parade to receive a wristband.
- NOTE 2: you do not have to walk the entire route with us – you are welcome to walk with us for as long or as little as you would like.
- Rally point: East side of University Ave., just north of Queen St. W. — Look for the gathering of OPSEU members and we will be there.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT and march with us!
If you have any questions, please email us at: info@performancart.ca
RESOURCES
Labour and Ontario’s Visual Arts Sector by Lauren Medeiros
Conceptual artist Carole Condé made visible the struggles of working people (Globe & Mail)
Toronto’s Labour Day Parade and Labour History (TPL)
A proposal for an Artists’ Union by Jay Isaac
(top) FADO + Independent Artists’ Union, Labour Day, Toronto, 2025. Photo Henry Chan.
(middle) The Artists’ Union, Labour Day, Toronto 2006.
(bottom) The Artists’ Union, Labour Day, Toronto 2017.
