We are the national voice of children’s arts in the UK. A voluntary organisation working with partners across the four nations to campaign for the right of every child to have access to the arts both in and out of school, regardless of their circumstances. We connect children’s arts practitioners, teachers, and thinkers. We celebrate YOUR work at our annual JM Barrie Awards.
As an ACA Member, you will be joining a network of over 150 freelancers and organisations from the children’s arts industry. Other benefits include:
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a monthly newsletter rounding up industry news and our charitable activities
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the opportunity to contribute to our campaigns
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the chance to have your work showcased on our website and social media channels
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regular networking events with other ACA members (these are currently online)
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invitations to ACA conferences and round-tables
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priority access to the JM Barrie Awards
We offer bursary members to emerging artists, recent graduates and those who are underrepresented in our industry. We do not currently offer bursary memberships to full-time students (however you can join as a student for £18/year). To apply for a bursary membership, please write a single-page covering letter outlining the following:
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your current experience in children’s arts (please include dates of training)
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why you have a passion for children’s arts / arts in education
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how you believe an ACA membership would benefit you
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what you might contribute to the ACA community
We strongly encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our industry.
Please email mimi.doulton@childrensarts.org.uk to apply. Memberships will be distributed on a rolling basis.
Membership of ACA has brought me together with a group of people from different art-forms, who have different approaches to the creation of our art, who engage with communities in different ways in different parts of the UK, but who all share an unswerving and passionate belief that the arts can enrich the lives of our youngest citizens; people who are committed to creating and delivering cultural experiences that place children’s needs and desires at the core. Discussions with and presentations by other ACA members keep me steadfast and true to these beliefs while also inspiring me and introducing me to exciting new ways of thinking about and making art for children. Thank you to all existing members and I look forward to new members joining us.
