The Association – Friends of the House of Artists in Gugging was founded in 1990. The work of this association is not for profit. The most important goals of the Friends of the House of Artists are supporting and fostering the work of artists whose artworks are seen as Art Brut. Beyond this, the association also seeks to strengthen the position of Art Brut artists throughout the context of the art world and is pursuing a comprehensive recognition of their achievements. The general recognition of Art Brut in contemporary society should also lead to a tangible improvement in the artists’ quality of life. 

These goals are to be achieved through lectures, conferences, scholarly works, social gatherings, the publication of a bulletin, discussion forums, the realization of projects and the formation of working groups as well as the establishment of a library, an Art Brut archive and an Institute for Art Brut. 

Since April 1, 2000, the association has also been responsible for the management of the House of Artists. Since that time, as an independent social-welfare institution, it has been in a position to invite people from the entire territory of the EU.