Membership cards will be available for collection at the annual exhibition. If you would like your card(s) posted there will be an additional charge of £1 to cover postage costs.
Be part of Dorset’s
creative community
creative community
Becoming a member of the Dorset Arts & Crafts Association means joining a friendly, welcoming network of people who love making, learning, and sharing creativity. Whether you’re a painter, quilter, jeweller, woodturner, photographer – or simply someone who enjoys Dorset’s creative spirit – there’s a place for you here.
Your membership helps keep DACA’s work going: from our annual Showcase exhibition, to supporting groups and individuals through our Arts & Crafts Grant Fund, which helps creative projects take shape across the county.
What you’ll enjoy
as a member
Members tell us they value lots of things – the inspiration, the opportunities, the sense of community – but here are some of the highlights:
- Free entry to Showcase – visit as often as you like throughout the event.
- Discounted entry fees for submitting work to the Showcase competitions.
- Sell your work in the Showcase Sales Gallery.
- The opportunity to apply for a craft stall at Showcase
- Exclusive access to the Member Design Challenge – an annual creative project designed to spark original thinking.
- Discounts from selected local suppliers.
- Free listing for your art or craft business on the DACA website.
- Regular newsletters – packed with news, inspiration, and opportunities.
- Have your say – full members can vote at our General Meetings.
Member Design Challenge
Each year, members have the opportunity to take part in our Design Challenge – using a single photograph as inspiration for a piece of work in any medium. There are no rules, just creativity: some focus on colour, others on shape, texture, meaning, or mood. The results are always delightfully varied.
The image for the 2026 Challenge is “Porcelain Fungus” by Cathy Warne, shown here.
If you’re a member, you can:
- Submit a photograph for consideration as the next Challenge image.
- Create a piece inspired by the chosen image for display at Showcase
To submit your entry, please complete this form. The Challenge is for members only and entry is free of charge.