Artist cooperative

An artist cooperative (also co-operative or co-op) is an autonomous visual arts organization, enterprise, or association jointly owned and democratically controlled by its members. Artist cooperatives are legal entities organized as non-capital stock corporations, non-profit organizations, or unincorporated associations. Such cooperatives typically provide professional facilities and services for its artist-members, including studios, workshops, equipment, exhibition galleries, and educational resources. By design, all economic and non-economic benefits and liabilities of the cooperative are shared equally among its members. Cooperative members elect their board of directors from within the membership. Artist cooperatives have historically provided shared resources, exhibition opportunities, and professional support to artists outside of traditional gallery or institutional systems. In the 21st century, artist cooperatives are expanding beyond physical spaces and include digital platforms and online marketplaces that are run on cooperative principles.