Membership Options

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 (currently October 2023).
• Group chat for members to discuss work, chat, and send relevant information in between meetings.

From June until November 2023 DVA is pleased to announce a special offer to relaunch a revised, inclusive DVA Standard Membership with a wider range of benefits. The fee is £20 for the remainder of this Membership Year.

New DVA Standard Membership

• Feature on your own artist page on the DVA website with your artist statement, up to 10 images, profile picture, and contact details including socials
  
  
• Receive a monthly Member newsletter with DVA news, Events, Member news and Opportunities from around the region and further afield
  
  
• Share news on the relaunched DVA website, DVA social channels and mentions in DVA-produced press releases (where relevant and appropriate). More exposure for DVA Members via DVA’s revised marketing strategy
  
  
• Receive special DVA Member discount on artist adverts in Evolver Magazine. (Details included here for reference: Half Page: £385 (should be £450)  Quarter Page: £210 (should be £250)  Fifth Page: £175 (should be £200)  Eighth Page: £125 (should be £150)
  
  
• Take part in new DVA regional get togethers and network meetings for artists based in and around the following areas: Sherborne, Bridport, Dorchester, Wareham, Wimborne and Shaftesbury (Over July and August ‘23, schedule to be announced soon). Hear about DVA plans to support artists and creative freelancers with DVA network meetings, access to advice and guidance, and new DVA-produced marketing resources, coming in 2024
  
  
• Attend a special DVA Zoom meeting in the summer to hear about plans for Dorset Art Weeks 2024 (25 May- 9 June), changes and improvements to the event, and the new Interval Year event being planned for 2025
  
  
• Be among the first to hear about the upcoming Exhibition programme, opportunities and events at Sherborne House
  
  
• Belong to a regional arts organisation with advocacy as a DVA Member at regional level and access to regional partnerships and working

We will be announcing a further range of benefits and opportunities in Autumn 2023 for our new membership year from November 2023 including details of the Sherborne House programme. 

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 exhibitionor 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

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 focusincludes 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.
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 £50, 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].

Fee to be paid in one instalment
• Monthly E-news which highlights topic based information, notice of creative opportunities and exhibition listings
• A page on the DVA website
• 5% discount on entry to Dorset Art Weeks in a DAW year. The discount does not apply to an individual member of a group taking part in Dorset Art Weeks in their own right.

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.