Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Tuesday 28 October 1941, page 5


ART MODELS STRIKE FOR HIGHER PAY

To enforce claims for higher pay'

and improved conditions, artists' models at some art schools in the city went on strike yesterday.

They are claiming 3/0 an hour for posing and are demanding that only members of Melbourne Artists' Models' Association shall be employed. Their claims have been met by National Gallery school and technical schools, and they have decided not to work for other art schools till the schools agree to pay the same rate. Rates previously varied from 2/ to 3/3 an hour.

Members of the association are mostly University students or art students, who pose as models to earn sufficient money to continue their studies. Their earnings usually amount to less than £2 a week. Some of them live in converted lofts and garrets, which serve the dual purpose of living quarters and studios.