art union

noun2

1. •
   An organisation formed for the purpose of educating the general public about art and supporting artists.

   • Art Unions are a substitute for State patronage. — 1974
2. •
   (Australia, New-Zealand) A raffle run to raise money for a charity.

   • The result was that the Government of the day had a spate of applications for permits to hold art unions. — 1956