Membership Options

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

This group is open to emergent artists, designers, and makers based in Dorset. Whilst artists of any age can apply, membership of the group is suitable for any artist at the beginning of their professional career who would benefit from a support network with 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 regular meetings to discuss work in a critical capacity. There will also be a chance to socialise with other members. As well as the benefits received by Standard membership, the Emerging Artist group will also receive the following benefits: 

• Bi-annual socials to connect and create camaraderie with other Emerging DVA members
• Opportunities to showcase members' work which will be shared across DVA channels including DVA website and social media, creating more exposure and connectivity for Emerging artists 
• Group chat for members to discuss work, connect, and send relevant information in between meetings
• Exhibition opportunities in Dorset

Dorset Visual Arts' Membership renews from 1st October and costs £50 for one year 

Join us today and become part of the largest artist/maker community in Dorset

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

Membership of Making Dorset, The Salon and Interrogating Project Groups is by application. Please email [email protected] for information

• Feature on your own artist page on the DVA website with your artist statement, artwork images, profile picture, and contact details including socials
• Receive our comprehensive monthly member newsletter with DVA news, upcoming events, member news and regional and national creative opportunities
• 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
• Receive 10% discount on Dorset Art Weeks participation, the most established open studios event in the county
• Take part in DVA regional get togethers and network meetings across Dorset, a great opportunity to meet other creatives in your area 
• Be involved in plans for a new range of DVA Events and opportunities for Dorset artists and makers in 2025 - DVAtions
• Belong to a regional arts organisation with advocacy as a DVA Member and access to regional partnerships and working 

Membership applications to our project groups open in January 2025, with a limited amount of places available. 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

Membership applications to our project groups open in January 2025, with a limited amount of places available. 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 from January 2025- see criteria under Projects. 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.

Membership applications to our project groups open in early 2025, with a limited amount of places available. DVA invites those selected for the 'Fifty Dorset Makers' publication to join Making Dorset, now operating with its own distinct identity. Membership will ensure continuing association with Making Dorset and its future activities. It will also give entitlement to all DVA benefits, including member's discount on the entry fee for Dorset Art Weeks.

Making Dorset is formed of selected craft designers and makers with an expectation that members will commit to a 3-year involvement. The grouping is open to new members - a waiting list may apply. To find out more please email [email protected]

Group membership rates apply to Artist Groups, Societies, Organisations and Charities. Please note the annual 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.