Membership Options

Dorset Visual Arts' Membership runs from 1st October - 30th September. 

This new group is open to emergent artists, designers, and makers based in Dorset. While artists of any age can apply, we are looking for artists at the beginning of their professional career who would benefit from a support network of those in a similar position to help further their careers in the visual arts in Dorset. 

This includes:  

• Those who have recently completed a relevant arts or design foundation degree, undergraduate/postgraduate degree, or arts A-level. 
• Those who have recently moved back to or are new to the area and are looking for a support network.
• Professional artists at the beginning of their career.
• Emergent artists who are looking to start their career.

You must be based in Dorset to be a part of this group. 

This group will focus on bringing together artists to share ideas, knowledge, skills, and critical discourse. Members will attend monthly meetings to discuss work in a critical capacity. These will also be a chance to socialise with other members. As well as the benefits received by all members, the Emerging Artist group will receive the following benefits: 

• Bi-annual socials to connect and create camaraderie with other Emerging DVA members.
• E-booklet to showcase members work that will be shared to the DVA website. This will create a directory of emerging artists that other organisations can use to connect with artists.
• Opportunity to join other DVA member special interest groups, which are currently being established. These will focus on specific interests of artists relating to material or subject matter.
• Exhibition opportunities including an exhibition at Sherborne House within the first 12 months of it’s opening.
• Group chat for members to discuss work, chat, and send relevant information in between meetings.

Dorset Visual Arts' Membership runs from 1st October - 30th September each year

New DVA Standard Membership underpins all Membership offers and is the standard entry route for all other groups.

Membership of The Salon and Interrogating Project Groups is by application 

• Feature on your own artist page on the DVA website with your artist statement, artwork images, profile picture, and contact details including socials
• Receive a monthly Member newsletter with DVA news, Events, Member news and key Opportunities from cultural partners across the region and further afield
• 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
• Take part in bi-annual DVA regional get togethers and network meetings across Dorset, as well as bi-annual meetings online with access to advice and guidance, including new DVA-produced marketing resources
• Be among the first to hear about the upcoming Exhibition programme and events at The Sherborne, Dorset's newest venue for the arts, as well as opportunities exclusively for DVA members
• Be involved in plans for new DVA Events for 2025, with commission and curation opportunities exclusively available to DVA Members
• Belong to a regional arts organisation with advocacy as a DVA Member and access to regional partnerships and working 

Coming in autumn 2024:

• Further opportunities for Dorset Artists and Makers at The Sherborne, as the programme develops 
• Access to an exclusive range of marketing advice and resources as part of a new artist development programme 
• Commission, bursary and creative practice development opportunities
• Other discounts and opportunites with cultural partners to be announced

Please note we have currently paused new Membership sign ups to our project groups but will resume after Dorset Art Weeks 2024. Please email Izzie at [email protected] for more information. We welcome any Dorset based creative to join as a Standard Member at this time. 

Dorset Visual Arts' Membership runs from 1st October - 30th September.

Fee includes Standard Membership but may be paid in two instalments, October and March.

This group runs primarily for semi-professional artists who have either been formally trained or otherwise gained solid experience of exhibiting, participating in, or leading courses.

The group meets six times a year to:

• Undertake critical reviews of work in progress and encourage skill swaps and knowledge sharing
• Introduce and consider different aspects of working as an artist - e.g.:
• Exhibitions
• Running workshops
• Framing
• Working in series / themes
• Writing
• Form an annual collective process based exhibition or other special project - e.g artist’s books
• Make studio visits
• Encourage informal collaborations between members of the group with a common interest
• With help - share work via the DVA website and other media

Please note we have currently paused new Membership sign ups to our project groups but will resume after Dorset Art Weeks 2024. Please email Izzie at [email protected] for more information. We welcome any Dorset based creative to join as a Standard Member at this time. 

Dorset Visual Arts' Membership runs from 1st October - 30th September. 

Fee includes Standard Membership but may be paid in two instalments, October and March.

A selected fine art membership group bringing together established and recent graduate fine artists.
Meeting around six times a year, much along the lines of a traditional ‘sketch book club’, preferably at artists’ studios - maybe the odd pub - the primary purposes of the group will be to: encourage critical debate, share creative knowledge and experiences and perhaps prompt collaborations. This year’s focus includes realising an exciting publishing and exhibition project. We expect Dorset’s professional galleries to be closely associated with and influential to The Salon.
Our aims should encompass taking project ideas and outcomes beyond Dorset.

Membership of The Salon and Interrogating Project Groups is by application, there are limited spaces available and you need to have been a DVA Member for at least one year.

Applications are invited by CV, accompanying letter and a selection of images - see criteria under Projects on the new DVA website. The letter should include reference to why you think this opportunity might be for you and what you think you can bring to the group.

Group membership rates apply to Artist Groups, Societies, Charities, and Partnership members. Please note the fee starts at £75, however, varies depending on your membership numbers and organisation type. Group memberships are accepted on a case by case basis and require approval. Please send information about your organisation or partnership to Izzie at [email protected].

Group members receive the same benefits as standard members but have one joint profile on our website. For further information including a full list of benefits, please email Izzie at [email protected].

Friends play an essential role in supporting the Dorset Visual Arts charity that is aiding the professional development of artists, designers and makers within the county. This category is designed for non-practising art enthusiasts wanting to support and enjoy the visual arts, and subscribers will receive e-news and invitations to exhibitions and special events.