Apply for Membership

Membership Information

Highwire Artists, Inc., is a non-profit community of artists with permanent meeting and gallery space. Our mission is twofold, with obligations to our members and the community.

We offer emerging and established artists of diverse backgrounds an opportunity to develop and present in various disciplines. We provide an environment that supports and encourages the creative process, free of restrictions often encountered in commercial art galleries. We also make our space available to other art groups throughout the region for meetings, readings, recitals, and special exhibitions.

We provide the Philadelphia regional community an opportunity to experience contemporary art forms. An emphasis on multi-media, interdisciplinary art programs allows us to inform, educate, and expand our visitors perceptions of social, spiritual, political, and aesthetic concerns. We encourage audience participation during our performances, eliminating the boundary between the audience and performer, demonstrating our commitment to the concept of accessibility.

To become part of our organization, you must first complete our membership application. After submitting your application, please e-mail 5 JPG images of your artwork to: highwiregallery@gmail.com. When you receive acknowledgement of your application from our membership coordinator, you will be asked to present and discuss 15-20 slides and 5 or more pieces of original work at a membership meeting. During this meeting, you will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the members and get to know the organization. If a majority of the members vote positively, you will be invited to become a member. You will be notified promptly by phone or e-mail about the outcome of the vote.

New members must pay initiation dues ($150 one time payment), as well as monthly dues (currently $65 a month). All members must participate in monthly meetings, gallery sit one or two days a month, and volunteer for various gallery functions.

What can you expect as a member of our organization? You will be able to participate in group exhibitions, two-person or solo exhibitions, and performances at the gallery and other locations, as well as participate on various committees enabling you to learn valuable skills relative to your role as an artist. You will also be able to vote on various issues pertinent to the focus and growth of Highwire and yourself.

Membership Benefits
• 2 person exhibition every 18 months
• A minimum of 2 group exhibitions per year
• 0% commission on sales
• Access to exhibition opportunities and calls for entry
• Experience with gallery preparation and arts administration

Membership Responsibilities
• $150 initiation fee
• $65 monthly dues
• One day a month of gallery staffing
• Five hours of gallery-related work each calendar quarter
• Attendance at membership meetings
• Attendance at artist membership reviews

Eligibility
• Applicants must live within a 50 mile radius of Philadelphia and cannot be presently enrolled in any undergraduate programs.

Membership Application