Benefits of membership

  • Be part of an internationally recognised organisation with professional accreditation (Member MRSS and Fellow FRSS) and members who generously share their experience, skills and knowledge.

  • Access member-only opportunities, including a growing number of residencies, awards, commissions and continuing professional development workshops

  • Discover the latest opportunities, both member-only and from across the sector, in our weekly members’ e-news

  • Promote your work online in our searchable directory of members’ portfolios, see Our Sculptors Portfolios including a beautiful image gallery, links to your web site and contact details

  • Publicise your exhibitions and events online in Our Sculptors On View 

  • Access our online members’ area to connect with fellow sculptors both virtually and in person via the Regional Connect Groups, which meet for studio tours and talks

  • Participate in regular regional Zoom calls, hosted by your local Trustee representative

  • Receive invitations to our private views, exhibitions, seminars and talks

  • Feature in the Society’s archive

  • Develop your practice with the support of the Society’s Fellows as part of our Mentor Scheme

Who is eligible to apply?

Established, national or international, professional artists who make sculpture in any of its forms as a significant part of a coherent professional practice, whose work adds to the language of sculpture and who can demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience, and contemporary understanding.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience and contemporary understanding. Applicant's work should be high quality, distinctive and adds to the language of sculpture; whilst also demonstrating the skilled realisation of ideas. The selection panel is keen to see evidence of enquiry and reflection. Regrettably, we are unable to provide individual feedback on membership applications.

Prospective Members should demonstrate evidence of making sculpture in any of its forms as a significant part of a coherent professional practice. They will be selected for membership based on the quality of the application and provide evidence of:

1.             Distinctive and high quality work which adds to the language of sculpture

2.             A critically engaged practice with contemporary understanding

3.             Accomplished use of materials, techniques and processes

Are there different levels of membership?

In addition to the main Membership category, it is possible for Members to be nominated as a Fellow.  Fellowships are awarded by the Board in recognition of outstanding reputation, experience and talent.

Up to ten early-career sculptors of outstanding talent and potential will be awarded the Gilbert Bayes Award each year. For details of how to apply, click here. 

Membership fees

The fees for 2020 are:

Members (MRSS): £194.24

Fellows (FRSS): £232.88

How to apply

Entrants are required to submit an online application form which comprises a short CV and artist statement, as well as up to ten images. The fee for entry is £43.00 and is non-refundable. Regrettably we are unable to provide individual feedback on membership applications.

Full information and the application form are available on the Parker Harris website

Suppliers' Circle

In addition, the Royal Society of Sculptors has recently launched the Suppliers' Circle to enable related businesses and individuals to support the Society and engage with our members.

The annual fee is £350 and benefits include an introductory mention to our members and followers via our e-newsletters, the opportunity to host a lecture / Zoom meeting with members to discuss your services, a web listing, invitations to private views and access to sponsorship opportunities.

To discuss joining the Suppliers' Circle, contact Caroline Worthington at director@sculptors.org.uk