Artworks Alliance: Member Benefits

Earlier in 2023, a consortium of UK-based arts membership organisations, led by Engage, delivered a Member Benefits survey. The survey built on Engage’s own consultations with their members over 12 months, which will shape how they deliver their existing membership structure.

Artworks Alliance joined this consortium and supported the development of the survey before sharing it with our membership. Other consortium members were; AccessArt, Axis, and the Group for Education in Museums. Engage collated the responses on behalf of the group and shared an overview of all findings with Artworks Alliance, alongside detailed data of responses from our members.

Survey Findings
When asked to select the current membership benefits they engaged with, Artworks Alliance members were most engaged by Opportunities to share practice (79%), Talks, Seminars, and professional events (58%), Networking (58%), promoting their organisation to other members (42%) and receiving the Latest news and policy updates in e-bulletins (37%).

When asked to rate which benefits were most valuable, Artworks Alliance members indicated the same five benefits, rating Networking as the most valued (58%), with Talks, Seminars and professional events, and Opportunities to share practice both valued highly (47%), and promoting their organisation’s work and receiving the Latest news and policy updates in e-bulletins being moderately valued (37%).

‘So important for us to connect and network in these challenging times – together we are stronger’ – Survey respondent, 2023

It is also worth noting that benefits that were considered to be most valuable by between 30-20% of the respondents included Access to an online library of specialist research, case studies and toolkits, Advocacy support, Opportunities to take part in projects and campaigns, and Support/advice through regional networks.

Respondents were asked to reflect on the main difference their membership makes on their professional development. Over 80% of Artworks Alliance survey respondents indicated that membership increased their knowledge in a relevant area. Respondents also felt that their membership supports new networks or partnerships (59%), provides a positive experience (47%) and increases their confidence (24%). Other responses were spread across the outcomes; Increases skills in a relevant area, supports work with new audiences, and Supports career progression.

‘I have truly valued and appreciated my time as a member with Artworks Alliance. I have gained a wealth of support, knowledge and resources to support my career as part of this network. It is incredibly valuable to be able to talk, share and network with other social practitioners across the art and cultural sectors.’ – Survey respondent, 2023

The survey asked members to consider the cost of their membership, and rate whether the current pricing represented good value for money. Of Artworks Alliance members responding, 68% felt that their membership was good value for money, and the remainder were neutral on this question.

Respondents were invited to suggest opportunities or improvements to the member benefits. These comments indicated that the quality and format of the current member benefits for Artworks Alliance is well-matched to the needs of members, however, a higher number of events, opportunities to participate and network throughout the year would support the membership to grow and work together. Additionally, some respondents indicated that they would like to see Artworks Alliance taking on more advocacy to champion participatory arts on behalf of members.

‘Through Covid and beyond, it has been fantastic to meet like-minded artists and share inspiring practice and interesting discussion.’ – Survey respondent, 2023

Conclusions and Next Steps
As a small and focused membership organisation, the Member Benefits survey provided an opportunity for Artworks Alliance to gather valuable data on how we are meeting the needs of our members, and to also consider how our activity both aligns with and differs from that which is offered by other membership organisations. Despite our smaller size, we received the highest number of survey responses from members, which positively reflects the engagement of our membership.

The survey findings will enable Artworks Alliance to clarify and refine our membership offer, and will support future funding applications and partnership working. Through further consultation with our members, we will explore how we can work together to develop opportunities for further networking and practice sharing activities and events, which will support practitioners to build our collective knowledge of participatory arts and shape practice.

Hannah Gaunt, Artworks Alliance Oversight Group Member and Creative Producer, Engage.
May 2023