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NEW: KAC Membership Program!

The Kingston Arts Council’s new Membership Program allows artists to become non-voting members of the KAC! This community-driven initiative is designed to support, connect, and inspire Kingston’s arts sector. Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to grow your practice, an established artist seeking to engage with KAC's networks, or a passionate supporter of the arts, this program offers exclusive benefits and opportunities that help you thrive while contributing to Kingston’s creative economy.

Member Benefits

KAC Member Directory

KAC Directory Image

KAC Members will be included in the new KAC Member Directory, a searchable, filterable public database showcasing local artists working in all disciplines.

The KAC Member Directory makes it easy for artists, businesses, and residents of all kinds to connect with creative professionals in the region, and offers a platform for KAC Members to showcase their work and services.

KAC Members build their own profiles, adding search tags in relevant categories (ex. artistic discipline, medium/style) and adding events, listings, and available services to their profile in addition to uploading their biography, social media and website links, and photos.

For Example:

  • A band can indicate that they are available for private events, making it simple for someone searching for a wedding band to discover them.
  • A muralist can tag themselves as available for public art commissions, helping businesses and organizations find them with ease.
  • A photographer specializing in portraits and event photography can promote those services.
  • A visual artist can indicate that they are available to teach workshops for school programs or corporate retreats.

This directory is designed to amplify local talent, foster collaboration, and connect Kingston’s arts sector with those seeking artistic services. Whether you're an artist looking to showcase your work or someone searching for the perfect creative fit, the KAC Artist Directory makes it seamless and accessible!

Pocket Gallery Exhibitions

Pocket Gallery Logo

The Pocket Gallery (previously known as UNIT 115) is a small gallery space in the foyer of the KAC office, located in the heart of the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning, featuring monthly rotating exhibitions.

Members can apply to this paid exhibition opportunity — supported by our friends at Play! Charitable Gaming Association — to showcase work in any medium.

Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to launch your first exhibition with mentorship from KAC staff, an established professional seeking to showcase new work, or anywhere in between, the Pocket Gallery offers an exciting opportunity to exhibit your work in a flexible and supportive environment. While we will consider applications from artist duos or even small collectives, the Pocket Gallery is best suited for solo exhibitions, experimental works, and creative installations.

Applications open 1 May, 2025 – exclusive to KAC Members.

The Arts & Entertainment Plan

Health insurance for Kingston Arts Council Members


Arts & Entertainment Plan

Need personal health insurance?

As professional artists and arts workers, we know it can be extremely challenging to access health and dental benefits, so we've teamed up with
the Arts & Entertainment Plan® to ensure KAC Members can opt into affordable health insurance offered by AFBS.

KAC members are guaranteed acceptance* – no medical questionnaires, no refusals for pre-existing conditions.

Two Plan Options:

Both options cover dental, prescriptions, vision care, paramedical care (massage, acupuncture, etc.), medical supplies and assistive devices, life insurance, and more.

* Must be 18–71 years old to enroll.

Business Discounts

Thanks to these incredible local businesses you can now enjoy special discounts and perks as a Kingston Arts Council Member! Access your discount codes HERE


20% off escape rooms and outdoor adventures


35% off monthly and annual memberships


10% off all in-café orders


10% off wholesale pricing


10% off Rental Services: Spray Booth, Kiln, Slab Roller, Wheel & Open Studio

10% off admission & events, gallery/venue access, discounted rentals

Members Events & Communications

KAC Members will be invited to attend exclusive Member Events where you can expand your creative network, develop collaborative cross-disciplinary relationships, and engage in peer-to-peer creative incubator sessions.

Stay in touch with the KAC team via exclusive Member Communications, including a quarterly newsletter featuring updates and messages from the KAC, updates about the membership program, and general industry news. Plus, participate in optional polls and questionnaires to ensure you have your say in the future of the membership program and the KAC.

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Flexible Pricing Options

Financial contributions help sustain the work of organization and ensure we can continue supporting Kingston's arts industry. We strongly believe that access to our services, however, should not be contingent on financial capacity, thus we offer membership at three pricing tiers:

  • A standard flat rate of only $40 per year
  • Pay What You Want
  • Free

Every artist should have access to the KAC Membership, regardless of financial circumstances, which is why we offer free and pay what you can options (no questions asked) in addition to our regular membership rate of only $40/year. Regardless of your current financial capacity, we would love to have you as a KAC Member, and hope you'll join us on this journey.

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Questions?

We’re here to help! We can be reached via email for more information about the membership program.

Membership FAQ

The KAC Membership Program is a community-driven initiative aimed at supporting and connecting Kingston’s artists while strengthening the local creative economy. This is a non-voting membership tier; the program offers exclusive benefits, networking opportunities, and resources designed to help artists of all disciplines grow their practices and thrive.
Any individual — whether you are an artist, arts worker, or supporter — is welcome to register as a KAC Member!
We currently do not have a membership tier for organizations or businesses, but we are planning to implement this in Phase 2. If you are interested in registering your organization or business as a KAC Member, please contact us at PCC@artskingston.ca
As a KAC member, you'll have access to valuable benefits, including: • Affordable health, dental, and insurance options through the Arts & Entertainment Plan; • Paid exhibition opportunities in KAC's new Pocket Gallery program; • Special discounts from local businesses; • A profile on our fully navigable Member Database, where you can promote your work, any freelance services you offer, and events; • Invitations to Members-only events; • Exclusive member communications with quarterly updates about the KAC and other industry news; and more to come in Phase 2 and 3!
We offer flexible pricing to ensure accessibility for all artists: • STANDARD MEMBERSHIP: $40 per year. • PAY WHAT YOU CAN (PWYC) MEMBERSHIP: Need an option that better fits your budget, or want to contribute more than $40? This model is designed to eliminate financial barriers while encouraging members to support the program's growth. PWYC memberships can be purchased for any amount of your choosing starting at $0.50. • FREE MEMBERSHIP: To ensure no artist is left behind, we also offer a no-questions-asked free membership tier. If this option makes membership possible for you, please take it – we’re happy to have you! • OPTIONAL DONATIONS: We welcome and deeply appreciate all donations! If you are able and wish to contribute more, please consider submitting a one-time, recurring, or monthly donation. KAC is a registered charity and issues tax receipts on all donations. This option can also be helpful if you want to sign up for a free membership now and contribute financially later.
The Pay What You Can (PWYC) option allows members to pay whatever amount feels comfortable for them at the time of registration, and the Free option allows members to register without any financial contribution. We have a no-questions-asked policy for both options — we understand that life is expensive, and that your financial capacity may fluctuate throughout the year. We believe our services should remain accessible to everyone, whether or not you can contribute financially right now or at all. If you are able to support financially, we do very much appreciate financial contributions of all sizes and encourage members to contribute what they can to help fund and grow this program. Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps us provide more resources and opportunities for the Kingston arts community. If your finances are tight right now, you may also consider registering now and donating later — we don't want you to miss out on any opportunities in the interim.
The Pocket Gallery, previously known as the UNIT 115 Art Space, is a small exhibition space in the foyer of the KAC office (located at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning). The new Pocket Gallery program offers paid exhibition opportunities; exhibitions are rotated monthly and applications are open exclusively to KAC Members. The Pocket Gallery is a small but flexible exhibition space well-suited to solo exhibitions, installations, and experimental works. Whether you are an emerging seeking to launch your first exhibition with mentorship from KAC staff, or an established artist looking to showcase a new body of work, the Pocket Gallery offers a platform for artists to exhibit creative projects in a supportive environment.
KAC Members are eligible to apply to exhibit their work in the Pocket Gallery. Details for this program and the first round of applications (open exclusively to KAC Members) will launch on 1 May 2025.
KAC Members working in any discipline are welcome to apply, so long as the work can be exhibited in the Pocket Gallery for an extended period (approx. 3 weeks, flexible). Applicants may be emerging, mid-career, or established professional artists; no prior exhibition experience is required. We encourage creative and experimental use of the space; the Pocket Gallery is a small space, which makes it perfect for: • Solo exhibitions by emerging artists with little to no exhibition experience (KAC staff will provide mentorship and guide you through the process of launching your first exhibition); • Solo exhibitions by mid-career and established artists showcasing a new series; • Participatory exhibitions / community-engaged works; • Creative installations and experimental projects by individuals or artist duos; and • Other creative options we haven't considered! Due to the small size of the Pocket Gallery, in addition to budgetary constraints, we do not intend to include group exhibitions in this program. We may, however, consider collaborative projects from small collectives who are keen to engage with the program, but we would have to pay exhibition fees to the collective rather than paying CARFAC fees to each individual participant.
Pocket Gallery selection committees consists of KAC staff and invited volunteers with expertise in various artistic disciplines. Applications will be evaluated based on: • Artistic merit and quality of the proposal; • Alignment with the Pocket Gallery program goals; • Feasibility of the proposed exhibition within the gallery’s space and resources; and • Potential for community engagement and impact. Additional considerations for the program: • Showcasing a range of artistic disciplines, mediums, and styles through the program; • Engaging artists from various backgrounds and lived experiences, including artists from equity-deserving groups; and • How this program may impact the artist and/or provide them with a unique opportunity (ex. professional development for an emerging artist OR offering the opportunity to execute an experimental work or installation)
Yes! We are currently in the process of developing additional benefits which will roll out in Phases 2 and 3. These will further enhance the value of your membership. Stay tuned for our upcoming roadmap, which will share details on what benefits we plan to introduce in Phases 2 and 3! Note: Members may also inform what Phases 2 and 3 will look like through members-only communications and polls. Register now to have a say in shaping the future of this program!
Once you’ve signed up and become a member, you’ll receive access the Member Benefits page, from there you can explore all the available perks and discounts!
Joining is simple! Click the “Enroll Now” button on the website, complete the sign-up form, and select your membership option. Afterward, you’ll get immediate access to your member account and start enjoying your benefits.
KAC Memberships are valid for a period of one year upon purchase. After a period of one year, your membership will automatically expire (but don't worry, we'll send you a reminder to renew!) Should you choose to opt out of your membership benefits or wish to cancel your membership before that time, please contact KAC staff. We cannot offer refunds on membership dues, but we will make sure to unsubscribe you from any benefits you no longer wish to receive. As all tiers offer the same benefits, there is no need to switch your membership tier, however, if you opted for a free or PWYC membership and wish to contribute the general fee once that becomes more financially accessible to you, you are more than welcome to submit a donation (and we would very much appreciate it!)

READY TO JOIN?

Signing up is easy! Click the button below to become a member and start enjoying all the benefits that Kingston Arts Council Membership has to offer. Once you join, you’ll receive access to a password-protected account where you can explore all your member perks and create your profile on the membership database!

Register Now