Become a Member

Membership Levels: Professional and Associate

VAI offers two individual membership levels: Professional and Associate.

• Professional Membership is intended for artists who meet specific eligibility criteria demonstrating a sustained professional visual arts practice.
• Associate Membership is for those who are emerging, developing, or not yet meeting the criteria for professional status.

When applying, you must select the level appropriate to your current practice and complete the required eligibility section:

• Both Professional and Associate applicants must indicate which eligibility criteria they meet. This includes selecting from a list of qualifying options and later submitting evidence to support those selections.
• Organisational Members and Friends of VAI are not required to complete this section but may do so if they wish.

Important Notes on Eligibility for Professional Membership

All qualifications and claims are independently verified by VAI staff. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information you provide is accurate and verifiable. Unverifiable claims will not be considered.

To qualify for Professional Membership, one or more of the following must apply:

• A third-level qualification in Fine Art or a related Visual Arts discipline, awarded by an institution that officially recognizes the qualification as part of its visual arts program.
• Alternatively, demonstrable evidence of a professional visual arts practice, including awards or commissions specifically for visual arts projects, events, or exhibitions.

Please note:

• General bursaries, travel grants, or project funding that are not specific to the visual arts will not count toward eligibility for Professional status.
• If you do not meet the criteria for Professional Membership, you will automatically be offered Associate Membership.
• You may request a change in your membership level if your circumstances evolve and you later meet the necessary criteria.