Art Group, often referred to as Art, functioned as a division within the Coalition for Progress of COMPNOR. Its primary function was to assess and document the acceptability of artistic works within the context of the Galactic Empire. The organization was characterized by its strict principles and rigid standards.
During the initial years of Art Group's existence after the Clone Wars, if an Art operative produced a highly critical assessment of an artwork, a recognizable red hologram was applied to the piece. This action became known as "drawing a scarlet" within underground circles, and it was considered a praiseworthy accomplishment by artists in the counterculture movement who resented the limitations imposed by the Imperial regime.
Ultimately, Art Group gained the power to summon agents from the Imperial Security Bureau when artistic offenses were deemed severe. The ISB had a reputation for causing problematic artists to vanish.