Become a Member

Student Membership

Specifically tailored for students in the community.

Benefits:

  • Free or discounted access to professional development workshops focused on artist-specific topics, exhibitions, and networking opportunities organized by Gaston Arts Council.
  • Opportunities to participate in juried exhibitions, showcase events, or public art projects organized by Gaston Arts Council.
  • First notice for grants, funding opportunities, and artist residencies offered by Gaston Arts Council.
  • Monthly e-newsletters with updates on local arts initiatives, artist profiles, and upcoming events.
  • Featured artist profiles or spotlights on the Gaston Arts Council website and social media platforms.
  • Use of the Gaston Arts Council Member logo on your website.
  • Gaston Arts Council Vehicle Sticker
  • Discounts on Gaston Arts Council merchandise, such as branded apparel, tote bags, or art prints from local artists.
  • Recordings of past workshops or events for members to watch at their convenience.

Artist Membership

Specifically tailored for practicing artists in the community.

Benefits:

  • Free or discounted access to professional development workshops focused on artist-specific topics, exhibitions, and networking opportunities organized by Gaston Arts Council.
  • Opportunities to participate in juried exhibitions, showcase events, or public art projects organized by Gaston Arts Council.
  • First notice for grants, funding opportunities, and artist residencies offered by Gaston Arts Council.
  • Monthly e-newsletters with updates on local arts initiatives, artist profiles, and upcoming events.
  • Featured artist profiles or spotlights on the Gaston Arts Council website and social media platforms.
  • Use of the Gaston Arts Council Member logo on your website.
  • Gaston Arts Council Vehicle Sticker
  • Discounts on Gaston Arts Council merchandise, such as branded apparel, tote bags, or art prints from local artists.
  • Recordings of past workshops or events for members to watch at their convenience.

Individual Membership

Tailored for arts enthusiasts within the community.

Benefits:

  • Free or discounted access to members-only events such as workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities organized by Gaston Arts Council.
  • Monthly e-newsletters with updates on local arts initiatives, artist profiles, and upcoming events.
  • Access to unique volunteer opportunities where members can directly engage with and support local arts initiatives.
  • Invitations to social and networking events where members can connect with like-minded art supporters and community leaders.
  • Opportunities to sponsor specific projects or events, with acknowledgment of their contribution.
  • Regular updates on the impact of their membership, including success stories from funded projects and developments in the local arts community.
  • Gaston Arts Council Vehicle Sticker
  • Discounts on Gaston Arts Council merchandise, such as branded apparel, tote bags, or art prints from local artists.
  • The satisfaction of knowing that their membership fees contribute directly to supporting local artists, arts education, and cultural programs in Gaston County.

The Muse Society Membership

Tailored to engage and honor those who are deeply committed to supporting the arts in Gaston County.

Benefits:

  • Everything included in an Individual Membership
  • A special welcome package upon joining, including a handwritten thank you note and membership card.
  • A limited edition print or small artwork created by a local artist as a thank you for their support.
  • Prominent recognition on the Gaston Arts Council website, and on a special donor wall at the Gaston Arts Council office, when established.
  • Personalized updates from the Executive Director or Board President, sharing insights into how their support is making a difference.
  • Invitations to join cultural day trips or art excursions organized by Gaston Arts Council, offering members the chance to explore regional art scenes.
  • Opportunities to attend and provide input at select Gaston Arts Council planning meetings or visioning sessions.
  • The chance to sponsor specific programs, events, or awards, with naming rights for a year or more.
  • Inclusion in a legacy giving circle, with opportunities to contribute to long-term endowment or future capital projects.
  • Opportunities to serve on grant review panels, helping to select and fund projects within the community.
  • Invitations to an exclusive annual retreat or cultural weekend getaway for society members, offering a blend of relaxation, networking, and cultural enrichment.
  • Private events or social gatherings where society members can connect with each other and with the broader arts community.

Membership Fee: $1,000/year and up

Arts & Cultural Organization Membership

Tier 1: Small & Medium Arts & Culture Institutions

Targeted for: Arts organizations with annual budgets under $250,000.

Benefits:

  • Access to Gaston Arts Council resources, newsletters, and grant opportunities.
  • Inclusion in Gaston Arts Council’s online directory and event calendar.
  • Invitations to professional development workshops and networking events.
  • Discounted advertising rates in Gaston Arts Council publications.
  • Opportunities to collaborate on community arts projects.

Annual Membership Fee: $100

Tier 2: Large Arts & Culture Institutions

Targeted for: Established organizations with annual budgets over $250,000.

Benefits:

  • All Tier 1 benefits, plus:
  • Enhanced listing and promotional opportunities through Gaston Arts Council channels.
  • Access to collaborative marketing campaigns and joint event hosting.
  • Invitations to participate in Gaston Arts Council’s strategic planning and advocacy efforts.

Annual Membership Fee: $250

Business Arts Alliance Membership

Tailored for local businesses that are not directly involved in arts and culture but wish to support and promote the arts within the community.

Tier 1: Creative Partner

Perfect for: Small and local businesses, independent professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Benefits:

  • Recognition as a supporter of the arts on Gaston Arts Council’s website.
  • Invitations to networking events with the arts community.
  • Opportunities to sponsor local arts events or initiatives.
  • Access to team-building workshops centered around arts and creativity.

Annual Membership Fee: $100

Tier 2: Arts Advocate

Perfect for: Mid-sized businesses ready to invest in visibility and impact.

Includes all Tier 1 benefits, plus:

  • Logo recognition on the Business Arts Alliance webpage
  • Complimentary tickets (2) to select public events (e.g. showcases, workshops, pop-ups)
  • Priority invitations for team-building workshops using arts-based activities
  • Access to a curated network of local artists to enhance your office space with unique, commissioned artwork.

Annual Membership Fee: $250

Tier 3: Cultural Champion

Perfect for: Larger businesses, corporate teams, or any business looking to lead with community impact.

Includes all Tier 2 benefits, plus:

  • Verbal and digital recognition at key public events as a Business Arts Alliance member
  • Option to co-host an arts networking event or creative roundtable
  • Priority access to sponsor grants, artist residencies, or youth engagement projects
  • Feature story in a GAC newsletter and/or blog

Annual Membership Fee: $500

Corporate Sponsorship and Patronage

We invite local businesses, corporations, and philanthropists to support the Arts Council through sponsorship or patronage.

Benefits:

  • Customizable sponsorship packages that may include prominent logo placement at events, acknowledgment in press releases, and exclusive networking opportunities.
  • Invitations to special events, VIP receptions, or private viewings of exhibitions.
  • Recognition on the Arts Council’s website, annual reports, and promotional materials.
  • Employee engagement opportunities through arts-related workshops, team-building activities, or volunteer opportunities.


Contribution: Varying sponsorship levels with corresponding benefits are available.