Artist Membership

Artist Membership at The Center for Contemporary Arts requires an application and registration fee for consideration into membership. 

The Center supports and enriches our artist members through the following benefits:

COMMUNITY

  • Monthly “Artist Members Only” meetings, gatherings, and educational events

  • Educational and professional development classes and workshops with priority registration and discounts

DISCOUNTS

  • Discounted ticket prices to The Center’s fundraising events
    Educational and professional development classes and workshops with priority registration and discounts

  • Discounted ticket prices to The Center’s fundraising events

OPPORTUNITIES

The Center is committed to providing economic opportunities for artists including:

  • Exhibit Proposals for shows in one of our four galleries (All Exhibit Proposals must meet the standards of the gallery for which the proposal is written and be reviewed and accepted by the Gallery Curator.)

  • Exhibit up to three works for inclusion in two Artist Member Group Shows annually to be juried by the Gallery Curator.

  • Exhibit and sell work in XS ART exhibit and store

  • Be an instructor for The Center’s Studio Art education series for members and community

  • Participate in vital arts outreach for the community and marginalized populations through The Center’s ArtReach and ArtHEALs Education Programs

  • Engage with and contribute to the greater Abilene community through art and art-centered events and help build a strong artist community in Abilene

  • Link to Artist’s website or Social Media on The Center’s website


APPLICATION PROCESS

Once all items are received, registrations will be reviewed by the Artist Membership and Levels Selection committee. All qualifying members will be admitted at the Artist member level. A member may not apply to become a signature member until the member has had at least one juried solo show at the Center. 

COST: $120/year for all artist member levels

DUE: October 31, annually

Annual membership dues will be pro-rated based on the month registrations are reviewed. Payment plans are available but must be requested from the Executive Director before October 31 each year.  Failure to do so will result in termination of membership and the artist must re-apply.  All fees will apply.

CRITERIA

Artist Membership applications are peer-reviewed by Signature Level Artist Members and placed into either Emerging or Signature level. Artists Level designations shall be based on:

  • Design

  • Mastery of medium

  • Conceptual originality

  • Evidence of professional practice (i.e., production, exhibitions and thematic depth).

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

  • Completed online registration form

  • Non-Refundable Application fee of $20

  • Artist Biography

  • Artist Statement

  • Images of Artist’s work

    • 10 or more images of work created within last 3 years 

    • at least one piece of earliest work to show progress of artist

    • if working in multiple mediums, please provide minimum of three images of work in each medium

  • Resume or curriculum vitae

  • Texas Sales Tax License (GET YOUR LICENSE)

    • If you do not plan to sell art, this is not required.