National Conference of Artists (NCA)

The National Conference of Artists (NCA) History and Philosophy
The National Conference of Artists was founded at a well attended meeting at Atlanta University in 1959. The idea originated in the mind of Margaret T. Burroughs of Chicago and was developed with James D. Parks of Lincoln University in Missouri. Artists that participated in the Atlanta University Annual Art Exhibitions made up the core of the organization. The first executive board and founding members include Margaret T. Burroughs, James D. Parks, Eugenia Dunn, Jewel Simon and Virginia Kiah.

During the past twenty years NCA has been active and growing. Presently, there are regional, state and local chapters throughout the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Each year they make progress through the reaffirmation of their purpose and objectives.

The purpose of the National Conference of Artists is to bring together African-American visual artists, art educators, art administrators and others interested in art in order to preserve, promote and develop the creative forces and expressions of African-American artists; to improve the position in America and throughout the world.

The objectives of the National Conference of Artist are:

1. providing information for artists regarding new technique and materials, exhibition expertise, training in marketable artistic skills and employment referrals through newsletters, conferences and workshops.
2. Promoting public awareness and appreciation for the work of African-American visual artists through research, exhibitions lecturing and quarterly publications.
3. being a resource retrieval center for use by institutions and other cultural organizations; maintaining a current listing of African-American artist and a natural visual arts directory.
4. serving as the imperial force in the design of legislation that will affect the artistic community.