Become an Associate Member
Manchester Academy of Fine Arts has been led, run and organised by artists since 1859 when it was established in Manchester. It is a UK Friendly Society and is run by a Council of members led by an elected President. It is the only Academy of its kind in the North West of England representing artists working in Sculpture, Painting, Drawing and Printmaking. We exhibit annually in municipal galleries around Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire. An artist elected as an Associate Member is eligible to progress to full Academician after two years. We encourage professional practising artists in the north of England to apply. There are at present over a hundred academicians and associate members.
Artists are elected in recognition of the professional quality of their work which demonstrates a wide range of approaches, techniques and styles.
Belonging to the Academy gives professional artists the opportunity to work together to organise and present exhibitions to the public free of charge. We work in the belief that the arts reflect, record and shape the world we live in. We contribute to society by preserving culture and history in our archives held at Manchester Art Gallery. In our exhibitions we aim to foster self-expression and community identity in partnership with local art, educational and business institutions; Art enhances well-being and stimulates the mind.
