Formed in 1936 with headquarters at 52 West Eighth Street in New York City.
The purpose was “to take a firm stand against war and fascism, and for the defense of art and artists of all aesthetic persuasions.” The first meeting, February 14-16, was open to the public and had discussions on “all fundamental issues, economic, aesthetic and social, which confront the American Artist today.” Stuart Davis served as Secretary.
The result of the meetings was an endorsement of artists forming a union and the promoting of social realism as a style. However, many artists lost interest in succeeding years because the Congress became closely aligned with the Communist Party.