If you are a skilled artist who depicts nature AND are dedicated to the conservation cause, we encourage you to apply to join us. AFC is a non-profit invitational group of nature and wildlife artists from around the world. As a Group, we work collectively to promote our work, participate in members-only initiatives, publications and art shows, and at the same time, promote the conservation of our natural heritage. As a member you are part of a unique and very special international community. Before applying, please review membership benefits and dues (below).
To apply for AFC membership as an artist, please enter your email and a user name of your choice below. You will then be prompted to provide additional information for review, including:
- Your biography/CV
- Applicants are encouraged to include a brief summary of your past and ongoing support for conservation - this might include donation of artwork to conservation causes, volunteer work, or affiliations with conservation organizations.
- A minimum of 3 (preferably 5-7) clear sample images of your work.
Alternate application method is to send an email to membership@artistsforconservation.org and include the above information.
Applying for membership does not guarantee acceptance.
Membership Highlights
ALL new AFC members are inducted as Associate Members. Each year, a selection of Associate Members are promoted to Signature Membership status. Promotions are made based on one of the following:
- Acceptance of at least two artworks in the AFC annual juried exhibit;
- Receipt of an award in the AFC annual juried exhibit;
- By special approval of the AFC board.
Membership (Associate and Signature) includes:
- Furthering the AFC's mission and leadership role in supporting conservation through art;
- Pride of membership in the world's leading art/conservation organization;
- Eligibility to submit for AFC's annual juried art exhibit;
- Eligibility for awards;
- Eligibility and priority consideration to participate in special AFC Expeditions, exhibits and projects;
- Representation on AFC website;
Following are key ADDITIONAL benefits of Signature Membership:
- Prestige of being accepted a member of the highest order in the world's leading nature art organization;
- Signature Membership title status, allowing you to use AFC suffix after your name.
Membership Dues
Membership dues are nominal and have been decided upon in order to cover basic costs of operation and marketing. To-date, the AFC has been supported almost exclusively by volunteer labour.
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One-time Initiation Fee: USD $50.00
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Annual Membership Dues (Signature & Associate): $250 USD ($23.75/month option is available after first-year)
Memberships that have expired more than six months may be de-activated. Re-instating membership will incur a re-instatement fee ($50) plus full-year membership payment ($250) to bring membership back to good standing. After the first year of re-instatement, members may optionally switch to monthly payments again.
Special Membership Designations
AFC also has three additional membership designations which are appointed by the AFC board to existing Signature Members. AFC does not accept direct applications for these forms of membership.
Emeritus
This designation is for Members who continue to support the AFC mission and community but who are either retired or otherwise no longer producing/selling art.
Honorary
This designation is for Members who have typically played a special high profile and representative role in AFC community and programs.
Deceased
This is a legacy designation for prior Signature Members, who have passed.
Global Leader Membership Program
AFC also offers an enhanced annual membership category with additional recognition privileges available to qualifying members with additional by-invitation membership designations: Global Leader Membership, Global Legacy Membership and Global Founder Membership. Members in this program may may inquire to join at elevated premium tiers and receive access to high-level recognition opportunities, priority program access, naming privileges, and other international engagement benefits. This program offers enhanced membership participation within the Artists for Conservation Group—not charitable giving. Depending on the designation, members in this program may receive the following additional benefits (beyond Signature Membership):
- Ultra-prestige membership status
- Naming rights to selected award/program (subject to board approval)
- Enhanced profile on AFC communications
- Invitations to virtual and in-person events
- Access to curated networking events
- Preferred consideration in all program participation
- Advisory board roundtable invitations (non-governance)
- Concierge relationship management
- Global recognition
Institutional Membership Network Program
AFC also offers Institutional Membership, aimed at fostering strategic partnerships with values/mission-aligned cultural and scientific institutions such as museums, galleries, universities, zoos/aquariums.There are three designations under this program: Associate (for small local museums or other international institutions or NPOs); Premier (for larger organizations with ability to host exhibits); and International Partner (for large strategic partnerships/collaborations able to host or jointly curate major exhibits or programs). Institutions in this program enjoy exposure to AFC members as official members and broader community and may apply to host AFC Group-organized exhibits and programs. This program offers enhanced membership participation—not charitable giving.