Published summary of the conference "Alternative Visual Arts Organizations," held at The Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, April 26 - 29, 1978. Includes texts "Artist - Run Spaces : N.A. M.E. Gallery as a Prototype," by Guy F. Whitney; "Placing the Artist," by Alanna Heiss; "Viewing the Museum : The Tail Wagging Dog," by James Pomeroy; "Art Museums and Alternative Spaces," by Henry T. Hopkins; "So You Want to show A Rock and Roll Star (or Video, Performance & Music [ ) ] in the New Arts Space," by Robert Stearns; "The Contribution of the Woman's Movement to the Development of Alternative Spaces," by Ruth E. Iskin; "Alternative Spaces and the University," by Edward Levine; "Some Thoughts about New Arts Spaces, and 'New Four Year Old Organizations that Plan to have a Longer Life,'" by Anne Focke; "Floating Spaces: Notes On a Portable Alternative," by Lynn Hershman; "Artists' Books As Alternative Spaces," by Martha Wilson; "Alternative Periodicals," by Edit deAk and Walter Robinson; "Future Considerations," by Robert L. Smith. Also includes "Listing of Organizations," documenting 56 alternative spaces, publishers and organizations in United States and Canada, each with a two-page survey and organizational statement.