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Join Us

How to join — four quick steps

  1. Step 1

    Choose your membership

    Pick Standard (£50/year) or the reduced Emerging Artist rate (£30/year) if you qualify.

  2. Step 2

    Create your account

    Sign up online in a couple of minutes — all you need is your email and a few details.

  3. Step 3

    Pay securely

    Choose annual or monthly payment by card. Your membership starts straight away.

  4. Step 4

    Build your profile

    Add your artist statement and artwork to get featured on the DVA website.


Join us today and become part of the largest creative community in Dorset

There are two Membership rates: Standard and Emerging

Standard Membership is available to everyone, whether an individual practitioner, gallery owner, artist collective or organisation leader.

Fee: £50/year or £5/month

Emerging Artist Membership has the same benefits to Standard Membership but with a reduced rate of £30/year or £3/month, for up to two consecutive years

  • Feature on your own artist page on the DVA website with your artist statement, artwork images and contact details including socials

  • Receive our comprehensive monthly member newsletter with DVA news, upcoming events, member news and regional + national opportunities

  • Receive 10% discount on Dorset Art Weeks participation, the most established open studios event in the county

  • Take part in DVA gatherings and network meetings across Dorset, a great opportunity to meet other creatives

  • Be involved in our Curated Cultural Programme, DVAtions  - with bursaries, residencies, Open Calls and other opportunities

  • Participate in DVA’s Artist Development Programme - peer-to-peer support, resources, learning and other activity designed to support creative practice at all stages

  • Share your news on the DVA website, DVA social channels and mentions in DVA press releases (where relevant and appropriate)

  • Receive special DVA member discount on artist adverts in Evolver Magazine, the free Wessex Arts and Culture Guide

  • Belong to a regional arts organisation with advocacy as a DVA Member and access to regional partnerships and working

An Emerging Artist is deemed to be:

- Artists and Makers aged 18 - 25

- Those in full time education

- Those who have recently completed a relevant arts or design foundation degree, undergraduate/postgraduate degree, (in the last 3 years)

- Those returning to their practice after a significant break or career change

Alongside this, there is a focus on developing engagement with Further Education establishments in the region.

A concession rate of £30 applies for those in receipt of Personal Independence Payment or Income Support

Please send current evidence from the relevant authorities with your application to news@dorsetvisualarts.org. Please note we cannot support other Concessionary Groups.

Standard Membership Emerging Membership Member Area