Fellowship & Associate Membership Applications for 2026 Are Now Open!

The Dorset Artists Guild is pleased to announce that applications for Fellowship and Associate Membership for 2026 are now open.

We are a welcoming and supportive community of artists who connect, inspire, and encourage one another through exhibitions, social events, collaborative creative projects, and shared opportunities. As a relatively new group—now approaching our second year—we are continuing to grow and evolve, building a vibrant and developing artistic network.

Membership fees are:

  • £50 per annum for Fellowship Members
  • £30 per annum for Associate Members

As a member of the Guild, you will have opportunities to:

  • Exhibit your work
  • Meet and connect with fellow artists
  • Share creative opportunities
  • Develop and grow your artistic practice

All applications are reviewed by our committee. Applicants are required to submit a website or portfolio as part of the process. Please note that not all applications will be successful for Fellowship or Associate Membership, as places are carefully considered to maintain the quality and balance of our growing community.

If you would like to be part of our developing artistic group, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply Here

Fellow Membership

The Dorset Artists Guild Fellow Membership is £50 per annum.

Fellowship membership is for professional artists with an established portfolio, website, and a regular exhibiting history

Fellow Membership includes:

  • Invitations to exhibit in our fellows exhibitions along with further exhibitioning opportunities
  • Artist page on the Dorset Artists Guild website including links to your website and artists bio and image.
  • Use of the title, 'Fellow of Dorset Artists Guild', aligning your artistic profile with a respected and professional creative community.
  • Artist support for external exhibitions — we will share your exhibitions on our Facebook and Instagram, and can also add them to our whats-on page.
  • Quarterly group creative challenges.
  • Quarterly social meet-ups to connect and catch up.
  • Access to our Facebook group to share your artistic practice.
  • Christmas meal and awards night.

Associate Membership

The Dorset Artists Guild Associate Membership is £30 per annum.

Our Associate Membership is open to artists at all stages of their journey. Whether you're just starting out, returning to painting after a break, or still building your portfolio, we warmly welcome you to join our community as you grow and develop your artistic practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives and find inspiration along the way.

Associate Membership includes:

  • Exhibiting opportunies
  • Quarterly social meet-ups, Christmas meal, and creative challenges.
  • Access to our Facebook group to connect with Guild artists.
  • Artist support for external exhibitions — we will share your exhibitions on our Facebook and Instagram, and can also add them to our events page.
  • Name only listing on Dorset Artists Guild website

Please note: Associate Members are not eligible to take part in the fellows exhibitions, receive a full artist listing, or showcase work online.

This membership is a great way to engage with our vibrant artistic community while developing your practice.

Dorset Artists Guild – Terms & Conditions

The Dorset Artists Guild reserves the right to modify, update, or change these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

Membership & Application

  • All members are selected based on portfolio review.
  • The Guild reserves the right to decline applications if an artist’s portfolio does not meet the selection criteria.
  • Applications may also be declined if there are no available spaces within the group.
  • To apply, please contact: enquiries@dorsetartistsguild.co.uk
  • Upon acceptance, payment details will be provided.
  • The committee reserves the right to review membership annually.

Fellowship Membership – Terms & Conditions

  • Membership fee: £50 per annum
  • Membership duration: 12 months from the start date (renewed annually). Mid-year joiners are charged the full fee, with renewal due 12 months later.

Associate Membership – Terms & Conditions

  • Membership fee: £30 per annum
  • Membership duration: 12 months, renewed annually

Please note:

  • Associate Members are not eligible for fellows exhibition invitations or online artist listings.

Sales & Commission

  • A 30% commission is taken on all sales (online and exhibition/market sales).
  • This contributes to advertising, marketing, and organisational costs.
  • All sales are processed through the Dorset Artists Guild bank account.
  • Payments to artists are made within 28 days of sale completion.

Exhibitions, Pop ups & Participation

  • A selection committee ensures quality standards (more relaxed for markets).
  • Exhibition and event costs are shared equally among participating artists.
  • Artists are expected to share stewarding responsibilities when required.
  • If unable to attend or assist, members must notify the group as early as possible.
  • Exhibition flyers may include QR codes linking to online sales (full members only).
  • Artists at markets may promote themselves using their own cards and websites.
  • The Guild will promote exhibitions and markets via social media and communications channels.

Insurance Requirement

  • Artists must hold membership with a.n before exhibiting to ensure insurance coverage.
  • Proof of membership must be provided to Dorset Artists Guild: https://www.a-n.co.uk

Exhibition Submission Terms

  • All participating artists must submit 100% of proposed works for review.
  • At least 25% of submitted work must be new, previously unseen work (not exhibited or published in Dorset before).
  • All work is subject to approval by the organising committee.
  • The committee reserves the right to decline any submitted work.

Supporting Artists

  • Full members’ external exhibitions will be promoted via Facebook and Instagram.
  • Events may be added to the Guild website (submit details to enquiries@dorsetartistsguild.co.uk).

Code of Conduct

Members agree to:

Respect & Kindness – Maintain professionalism; no discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
Community Engagement – Support fellow artists and contribute positively to events.
Professionalism – Present original work and communicate reliably.
Integrity – Use proper channels for dispute resolution.
Compliance – Failure to follow policies may result in membership review or removal.