FAQs

The Scottish Artists Union is the ONLY representative voice for visual and applied artists in Scotland. Artists tend to work alone, individually we have little influence or political 'clout'. Together we can make policymakers appreciate the needs and importance of artists in the Scottish cultural, social and economic scene.
On top of that you get free public liability and professional indemnity insurance, access to our free learning and professional development programme and a range of benefits including 30 minutes free legal consultation and online & in-store discounts at several nationwide outlets.

Our core funding comes from our membership fees, these fund the work of our part-time staff, core overheads and members’ services and benefits. Some activity, such as our learning programme is funded by grants from Scottish Union Learning.

You can complete the online membership form here. 

You will be ask to fulfil the 2 - 4 membership criteria. 

Criteria are necessary to give the Union professional status which in turn backs up our credibility when we speak on your behalf. These are not difficult for most professional artists; even new graduates can usually fulfil these. 

You can access all benefits including insurance whether you are a Graduate, Associate or Full member, but voting rights are restricted to Full members.

After one of our membership team have checked things over you will receive an email requesting payment. After your first payment is taken you will officially be a SAU member and able to set up your own profile on the Members' portal and access the Member's Resource Area.

Yes, your working practice may extend across different areas that are not served by a single organisation. 

For example, you may have another occupation other than that of a professional artist, which would be best served by being a member of another union specific to that industry. (For example, working in film & tv or in education). It is your decision if you feel that you need additional representation.