Eligibility
The Arts Scholars welcome membership applications from all those who fit their membership criteria regardless of their race, colour, religion, gender or sexuality.
The Company is keen to admit men and women to its Freedom and expects that they will progress to join the Livery.
It is a prerequisite that members should be involved or have an active interest in the historic and decorative arts.
It is the Company’s aim to maintain a balance between the following groups:
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Academics, including archaeologists, curators, conservators and restorers, art historians, writers, archivists and librarians
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The Art Market, including auctioneers, dealers, valuers and consultants
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Art Services, including fair organisers, insurers, brokers and loss adjusters, tax and legal advisers, art journalists and art logistics specialists
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Collectors of historic and decorative arts
Freedom
Following a successful admission process, membership of the Company starts with the “Freedom” of the Company. Freemen are entitled to attend the Company’s Annual Banquet, Installation Dinner and most Company events (Liverymen have first call on heavily subscribed events). They receive the Company Newsletters free of charge and can participate in Common Hall.
After a minimum of one year in the Freedom, and having also become Freemen of the City of London (details available from the Clerk), Freemen are encouraged to progress to the Livery.
New Freemen at their Admission Ceremony
Livery
The Livery constitutes the core of the Company. To apply to join the Livery, Freemen must have obtained the Freedom of the City of London, and it is expected that they will have contributed regularly to the Arts Scholars Charitable Trust and participated in Company events. Only Liverymen of the Company can become members of the Court and (if elected by the Court) become a Warden and Master.
Liverymen are eligible to vote in the Election of the Sherriffs and the Election of the Lord Mayor.
The Master (right) congratulates a new Liverymen at his Clothing Ceremony
Fees
There is a one-off joining fee (known as a “Fine”) and an annual membership fee (known as “Quarterage”). These vary from year to year. Further details and payment plans are available from the Clerk.
Learn more
If you are interested in joining us and wish to know more about how to do this, please contact the Clerk. clerk@artsscholars.org