We are an informal coalition of visual art and image licensing associations who collaboratively advocate for improved copyright protection for visual art creators. We strive to represent the voice of the hundreds of thousands of visual art small businesses operating throughout the United States.
If you have specific questions, please contact us here.
About the members of the Coalition of Visual Artists:
American Photographic Artists (APA) is a leading national nonprofit organization run by and for professional photographers. APA strives to improve the environment for photographic artists and clear the pathways to success in the industry. Recognized for its broad industry reach, APA works to champion the rights of photographers and image-makers worldwide.
The American Society for Collective Rights Licensing (ASCRL) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit collective management organization (CMO) for visual art authors and rights owners. We collect royalties and distribute them to our members based upon representation agreements that we have with other collecting societies around the world. Our intention is to provide an ongoing revenue stream from reprographic funds for authors or rights owners in visual works.
The American Society of Media Photographers is this country’s foremost trade association supporting independent photographers who work commercially for publication in all forms of media. ASMP is the leader in promoting photographers’ rights, providing education in better business practices, producing business publications for photographers, and helping to connect clients with professional photographers. ASMP, founded in 1944, has nearly 5,000 members organized into 38 chapters across the country.
The Digital Media Licensing Association (DMLA) has developed business standards, promoted ethical business practices, and actively advocated copyright protection on behalf of its members for over 65 years. In this era of continuous change, we have remained an active community where vital information is shared and common interests are explored. In addition, DMLA educates and informs its members on issues including technology, tools, and changes in the marketplace.
The Graphic Artists Guild (GAG) has advocated on behalf of graphic designers, illustrators, animators, cartoonists, comic artists, web designers, and production artists for over fifty years. GAG educates graphic artists on best practices through webinars, Guild e-news, resource articles, and meetups. The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines has raised industry standards and provides graphic artists and their clients guidance on best practices and pricing standards.
The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) has been the Voice of Visual Journalists since its founding in 1946. NPPA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to the advancement of visual journalism, its creation, editing and distribution in all news media. Our Code of Ethics encourage visual journalists to reflect the highest standards of quality and ethics in their professional performance, in their business practices and in their comportment. NPPA vigorously advocates for and protects the Constitutional rights of journalists as well as freedom of the press and speech in all its forms, especially as it relates to visual journalism. Its members include still and television photographers, editors, students, and representatives of businesses serving the visual journalism community.
North American Nature Photography Association promotes the art and science of nature photography as a medium of communication, nature appreciation, and environmental protection by providing information, education, inspiration, and opportunity for all persons interested in nature photography. NANPA fosters excellence and ethical conduct in all aspects of our endeavors and especially encourages responsible photography in the wild.
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the world’s largest and oldest association representing professional photographers. Founded in 1868, PPA exists to help its members prosper artistically and financially by providing artistic and entrepreneurial skills through its industry-leading education system, unmatched benefits, and award winning magazine. PPA was founded over a predatory patent application, and continues its work on Capitol Hill to defend photographers’ rights today.
