What membership category is right for my organization?
Full membership is for tax-exempt organizations or government agencies, or divisions thereof. You must be a Full member, in good standing with the National Guild, to apply for funding opportunities.
Education Affiliate membership is for for-profit organizations.
Business Affiliate membership is for companies and associations that offer products and services of interest to the community arts education market.
Individual Affiliate membership is for individuals only. It is best suited for professionals who are not affiliated with an institution and students.
How do I join if my program/department is a division of a larger, parent institution?
The Guild’s network includes a robust network of both Full members and Education Affiliates who are divisions of a larger, parent institutions (e.g. a performing arts organization’s education department, a university’s preparatory division, etc.). Annual dues are based on the annual operating expenses for your arts education division only, not that of your parent institution.
What if we are waiting for our 501(c)3 application to be approved?
If you have not yet received 501(c)3 status but intend to apply or are waiting for approval, you are invited to join the Guild as an Education Affiliate. Once you receive your IRS letter of determination, you may then upgrade to Full membership. Please email Claire Wilmoth or call (212) 268-3337 ext. 14 or for more information.
Can my arts organization join as a Business Affiliate?
Business Affiliate membership is designed specifically for companies who want to connect with arts education leaders to market products and services. For a list of Business Affiliate benefits, click here.
For access to the Member Forum, Community Arts Education Resource Center, Member Center, and other comprehensive networking and professional development resources, community arts education institutions should join as a Full member or Education Affiliate.
What are the benefits?
Full members and Education Affiliates share similar benefits in terms of information resources, networking and professional development opportunities and advocacy. However Only Full members are eligible for periodic funding opportunities and can exercise a corporate vote; Full members also receive 50% off their first conference registration when they join the Guild.
Full Member Benefits
Education Affiliate Benefits
Who at my organization can receive benefits?
Full and Education Affiliate membership benefits are open to all staff, faculty, trustees and teaching artists at our member organizations. To add individuals to your account, email Claire Wilmoth or call (212) 268-3337 ext. 14 for more information.
How are annual dues calculated?
Annual dues are calculated on a sliding scale based on your organization’s current year operating expenses. Download chart of dues (PDF).
For divisions of organizations, universities and agencies:
Annual dues are based on the annual operating expenses for your arts education division only, not that of your parent organization.
What are my payment options?
Full and partial payment options are available.
Payment is due upon receipt of your membership application. You may pay by check, money order or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover).
Partial payments may be scheduled for two or four installments. To arrange a partial payment, email Claire Wilmoth or call (212) 268-3337 ext. 14. The first partial payment is due upon receipt of your membership application.
Are there any discounts?
The Guild does not offer regular discounts on membership dues. Annual dues are calculated on a sliding scale based on your organizations’ current year operating expenses.
When will I receive my login information to members-only online resources?
Please allow us one week to process your membership application and email you your individual username and password. Login information will be sent directly to each individual at your organization who was listed on your membership application to receive benefits.
Your username and password provides access to the following members-only resources: Member Center, Community Arts Education Resource Center and Member Forum.
To add individuals to your account, email Claire Wilmoth or call (212) 268-3337 ext. 14 for more information.
When will I receive my membership packet in the mail?
Your membership packet will be mailed to you within two weeks of receipt of your application. If you do not receive your packet, please email Claire Wilmoth or call (212) 268-3337 ext. 14.
Your login information will be emailed to you separately. You can expect to receive your username and password, and begin using our online resources, within a week of receipt of your application.
Who do I contact if there are any questions with my application?
Please email Claire Wilmoth, membership services coordinator, or call (212) 268-3337 ext. 14.