Sculptors Associations: Home, US Sculptors Associations, World Sculptors Associations, Wood Carving Associations 

See Also: Countries for Groups around the world, Art in Public Places/Percent for the Arts

Sculptors and Artists Associations - Worldwide

• United States: National Sculpture Society The National Sculpture Society is the oldest organization of professional sculptors in the United States. It is master sculptors and architects like Daniel Chester French, Augustus St. Gaudens, Richard Morris Hunt, and Stanford White, who founded the NSS in 1893 and have comprised its active membership since. Current members continue to contribute to the great public sculpture in this nation, as well as being represented in museum, corporate, and private collections around the world.  Contact: info@NationalSculpture.com or (212) 764-5645 in New York.

• United States: International Sculpture Center  The International Sculpture Center (ISC) is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the advancement of contemporary sculpture and to the professional development of sculptors. Through its activities, the ISC strives to educate the public about contemporary sculpture by promoting developments in three-dimensional art worldwide. Established in 1960, the ISC is the only international visual arts organization offering a wide range of programs and services to sculptors, arts professionals, and others with an interest in sculpture. To this end the ISC seeks to enlist as members all sculptors as well as those interested in sculpture. sculpt@dgsys.com Go directly to Opportunities. Computers and Sculpture Forum

• United States: Save Outdoor Sculpture (SOS) is a private/public initiative to document all monuments and outdoor sculpture in the United States and to help communities and local groups of all ages and interests preserve their sculptural legacy for the next century.  Save Outdoor Sculpture! is a catalyst to save our sculptural heritage. In Phase I, 7,000 volunteers reported 30,000 publicly accessible outdoor sculptures to the Smithsonian Institution's Art Inventories database. Of that total, 45 percent were determined to be in critical need of attention, nine percent requiring urgent treatment to survive.  Contact: 202-634-1422 in Washington DC USA.

• United States: American Academy of Equine Art The American Academy of Equine Art is a non-profit, tax exempt organization founded in 1980 at the suggestion of Alexander Mackay-Smith and Dr. Joseph Rogers, board members of the Westmoreland Davis Foundation at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia. The idea was to assemble the finest equine artists in the country to exhibit together, share creative ideas, and, eventually, to establish a teaching organization - modeled after the Royal Academy in England. Contact : Lynn Wade, AAEA, Director of Publicity

• United States: Sculptors Guild, a nonprofit organization of professional artists, was founded in 1937 to provide free exhibitions of contemporary sculpture.  Its members, chosen on the basis of excellence, work in a variety of aesthetic perspectives techniques, and materials.  Membership is by invitation. Once a years, the Admission Committee reviews applications of sculptors interested in joining the Guild.  Application deadline is March 1.  See: What's New, Member Artists, Membership, Slide Files.  Contact: sculptorsguild@earthlink.net or 212-431-5669 in New York, New York USA.

• United States: Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America (ABANA) 25 years ago, the Artist- Blacksmith's Association of North America began with only twenty blacksmiths who had a vision. Their vision has unfolded with a membership that has grown to over 4,500 strong.The resurgence of the "lost" art of blacksmithing is unmistakably evident.  See:   Chapter List, How to Become a Chapter, The Gallery, Members Gallery  Contact: abana@abana.org or (706) 310-1030 in Farmington Georgia USA.

• Canada: Sculpture Society of Canada The Sculptor's Society of Canada (S.S.C.) is a non-profit organization founded in 1928. The S.S.C. is dedicated to the encouragement of sculptors and sculpture, the provision of a forum through which artistic standards can be raised, and to discover and foster young talent. Amongst the pantheon of its celebrated Canadian Sculptors, the S.S.C. has pride in the honorary membership of the late Henry Moore.  See: Members, History, Current Exhibitions, Application Contact: gallery@cansculpt.org or 416.214.0389 in Toronto, Ontario.

• Canada: Federation of Canadian Artists The Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA), established in 1941 with André Bieler as its first president. Other leaders have included Group of Seven painter, Lawren Harris. The FCA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and professional development of artists, and services for art collectors.  Dedicated to its aim of gradually raising the artists' standards by stimulating participants to greater heights of achievement, they opened what is believed to be the first completely artist-sponsored gallery-workshop-studio in Canada. There are chapters in various areas. Contact: fcagallery@artists.ca or (604) 681-8534 in Vancouver, BC Canada.

• Canada: Great Lakes - Atlantic Stone Carvers' Association (GLASCA) was formed to help promote the art of stone-carving in eastern North America.  The goal is to promote stone carving as an art form, to help members market their art, and to provide quality instruction and materials. Contact: Roy Torney quarry@eagle.ca at The Livingstone Quarry, 905-377-9367 in Cobourg, Ontario.

• Canada: Visual Arts Alberta Association - Community Building  This association covers all arts, but has some excellent advice on advertising and networking.  

• The Sculptors Association of Alberta: meeting usually held 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Kinsmen clubhouse, Kinsmen Park, Edmonton.  Contact: Fran Cuyler on (780) 430-6081.

• Canada:  MISA, Manitoba Institute Of Sculptors And Artists - is a sculptural center for artistic development and cultural enrichment. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, MISA is composed of a diverse and talented group of artists who sculpt in soapstone, alabaster, marble, granite and other materials such as concrete and clay. The Institute has had numerous showings of members' works at various galleries and major exhibitions. Many of its past and present members have won juried competitions in the province and in other parts of Canada. This non-profit organization is also very involved in educational artistic outreach programs, teaching sculpting to a wide range of students from youngsters to senior citizens. MISA is maintained by a monthly membership fee paid by each of its members. For further information, contact Maurice Marr. Contact: mail@misa.mb.ca or 204-775-5565.

• France: The "French Union of Sculptors and Plastic Artists" (Syndicat National des Sculpteurs et Plasticiens) officially represents the profession to public authorities. It defends the collective and individual interest of its members with the legislator, the government, the marketplace, and the courts. The site language is French, but a few pages are available in English. Contact: info@sculpteurs.org .

• Italy: International Association of Art UNESCO, Association Internationale des Arts Plastique, Associazione Internazionale delle Arti Plastiche (AIAP.)  L'aiap est une organisation non gouvernementale de l'UNESCO

• United Kingdom: The Society of Portrait Sculptors Founded in 1953. The Society is a United Kingdom registered charity dedicated to promoting the art of portrait sculpture which it does primarily through the Society's open exhibition. The Society makes an international award - The Jean Masson Davidson Medal. Many distinguished sculptors have been members displaying the highest standard of work. See: Members and their sculpture, The Jean Masson Davidson Award Contact: David Houchin, Honorary Secretary, Fax: +44(0)1825 750485.

• United Kingdom: Royal Society of British Sculptors The Royal Society of British Sculptors (RBS) is a membership society for professional sculptors, founded in 1904. It is a registered charity which exists to 'promote and advance the art of sculpture', to ensure the continued widespread debate on contemporary sculpture and to promote the pursuit of excellence in the artform.  We provide advice on all technical, aesthetic and legal matters concerning the production, installation or exhibition of sculpture, which assists artists in producing excellent work.  See: .   Contact: info@rbs.org.uk or 020 7373 5554 in London.

• Netherlands: Dutch Sculptors' Association (formerly www.sculptors.org) The Dutch Sculptors' Association is an organization with about two hundred associated sculptors. Founded in 1918, we take part in various committees, boards and working groups which influence Dutch cultural politics. Our practical work is advising and making exhibitions of sculpture. Until recently we have been focused mainly on The Netherlands although we have had different members from abroad. See: members, art shows, magazine beelden  Contact: Lucien den Arend, Secretary.

• Dutch Institute for Art History, Florence (Italy)

• Ireland: The Sculptor's Society of Ireland The SSI is a non-profit artists' organisation which represents 330 sculptors, manages open competitions for major art commissions, and organises sculpture symposia, conferences and exhibitions. As well as acting in an advisory capacity for the development and improvement of public art policy, the Society co-ordinates open-submission international sculpture symposia, sculpture trails, professional-practice workshops, conferences, exhibitions and artist initiated projects. ssi@iol.ie

• Brittany: Association Sculpteurs Bretagne - is an association of 95 sculptors from Brittany. Well known for the "Salon de Sculpture Contemporaine de Bretagne".  In 1999 organizing an exchange with the "Sculptors' Society of Ireland"  Email: Francois.Hameury@wanadoo.fr

• Finland: The Association of Finnish Sculptors The Association of Finnish Sculptors, founded in 1910, is the trade association for professional sculptors. The objective of the Union is to promote Finnish plastic art and to look after the professional, economic and social rights of sculptors, to promote international cooperation and to arouse public interest in sculpture. In 1995, The Association of Finnish Sculptors has 199 ordinary members and 57 aspirant members. Eligible for membership are sculptors that are Finnish nationals or permanent residents in Finland and who have proved their competence as sculptors.  Sculptors' Gallery and Exhibitions sculptors@artists.fi

• Switzerland: GSMBA - SPSAS Association of Swiss Painters, Sculptors, Architects and Visual Artists The GSMBA (Gesellschaft Schweizerischer Maler, Bildhauer, Architekten und visueller Künstler) is the Swiss association of professionals in the fine arts. Established in 1866, it now has 19 chapters and some 2000 active members. The journal "Schweizer Kunst" (founded by the GSMBA) numerous exhibitions, the material and financial security of artists, and participation in the political debate on culture have been the main activities and objectives of the organization since its inception. Contact: office@gsmba.ch

• Switzerland: Verband Schweizerischer Holzbildhauer (Association of Swiss Woodcarvers/Sculptors - Societée Suisse des Sculpteurs sur bois). "Founded in 1948, our society of professional sculptors publishes the NSHB- NACHRICHTEN  (News), organizes international expositions, symposia, courses, workshops, tours. We have about 100 members and subscribers of the News, mainly in Switzerland; new members are very welcome." Contact: Ursula Schibig at schibig@sculptor.ch or  Tel. +41 41 832 14 39 in Steinen Switzerland.  See: Wood-carving, Stone-sculpture, Gravestone, Free Art, News + Contact.

• United Kingdom : Portland Sculpture Trust " The Portland Sculpture Trust is a not-for-profit artist-led organisation, formed in 1983 after the first sculpture symposium of its kind in the UK, when over 40 sculptors came to create work in response to the disused workings of Tout Quarry - last worked commercially 100 years ago by hand. Since 1983 the Portland Sculpture Trust has been developing both the individual work of artists, and programmes of study, led by artists, that explore the creative and educational potential of quarry environments. This work has resulted in the development of educational programmes for children and adults, encouraging varied and original artistic responses to the inspiration provided by the unique environment of Portland - attracting national, international, regional and local audiences." 1998 Stone Carving Workshops pst@earthling.net

• See Also: Scotland - Sculptors and Sculpture Resources Page

• Scotland: Scottish Sculpture Workshop The Scottish Sculpture Workshop is a unique place - we are the international centre for sculpture in Scotland. We provide facilities for making sculpture and self-catering accommodation on a site in the foothills of the Highlands of Scotland. Over the past 16 years we have built up contacts throughout the world with artists and organisations. We have created this Home Page to extend this contact. Please get in touch, tell us about yourselves, and lets see if we can do something together. ssw@sculptur.demon.co.uk

• Scotland: Sculpture Scotland A directory of Scottish sculptors producing figurative bronze sculpture of a high quality.  A non profit making site to help promote figurative Scottish sculpture.  Sculpture Scotland lists sculptors working mainly in bronze producing figures that are either unique or one of a small edition. Most produce small figures but some also large. Most have a portfolio of work for sale and also take commissions. There is a wealth of available Scottish sculpture from these artists.  

• Scotland: Scottish Borders Sculptors Collective - a group of sculptors and like minded people.  The aims of the Collective include: Raising the profile of sculpture in the Scottish Borders area;  Breaking down the barriers between the public and sculpture;  Expanding the range of venues available to sculptors;  Establishing a programme of education, outreach and audience development.  See: Membership. FORGED! an exhibition of works in metal  Contact: Rachael Long at rachlong@madasafish.com or tel.0136I 840271 in Duns, Berwickshire Scotland.  [Thanks to Brunton Hunter, member of SBSC]

• New Zealand : Tareitanga Sculpture Symposium  Over fifty sculptors from throughout New Zealand and oversea's attended Tareitanga '97. The British Council through their Link Programme sponsored one U.K. sculptor. Four French, one Japanese and one Columbian also participated. Again a diversity of ethnic, gender, and artistic experience amongst the participants will provide a fruitful learning and creative environment for all, including the spectators.

• Australia: Contemporary Sculptors Association The Contemporary Sculptors Association Inc. was founded in 1997 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting contemporary sculpture and to extend and develop the role it plays in the Australian community. The Association aims to work with individual artists, government and professional organisations, the commercial sector and the community to expand public awareness of contemporary sculpture and to stimulate the growth of sculpture as a professional practice.

• Australian Sculptors Server at the University of Ballarat Arts Department

• Australia: Sculpture Society of Victoria The Association of Sculptors of Victoria serves sculpture and sculptors in Victoria, Australia.  See: Exhibitions, Members, Resources  Contact: mail@sculptorsvictoria.asn.au or +61 3 9853 9610 in Victoria, Australia.

• China: Dongyang Wood Carvers Group - Dongyang City of Zhejiang province is widely known as the "home of wood carving". Dongyang wood carving has a long history and a unique artistic style is well-known to the world.   At present, there are several thousands of craftsmen engaged in wood carving. Artistic carving has come into wide use. Dongyang Wood Carving Group, No. 97 Wuning East Road, Dongyang City, Zhejiang, China  TEL:0086-579-6623325, FAX:0086-579-6633419 DYWCG@PUBLIC.DY.JHPTT.ZJ.CN

• Slovakia: Art Ensembles within the Province of the Section of Art of the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic

• Israel: ArtIsrael - Israel Painters and Sculptors Association - We host the official sites of the Israel Art Associations . This site contains information and resources for Educators, patrons, collectors, galleries and museums. Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Givatayim, Petach Tikva, Bat Yam, Holon, Hertzlia, Rishon Le'Zion - Gallery On Line.  Contact: info@artisrael.co.il 

• Alliance of Artists' Communities Artists' communities are professionally run organizations that provide time, space, and support for artists' creative research and risk-taking in environments rich in stimulation and fellowship. Whether they are located in pastoral settings or in the middle of urban warehouse districts, artists communities have been founded on the principle that through the arts, culture flourishes and society's dreams are realized.  Alliance of Artists' Communities Links

• Vancouver Island Sculptors Guild The purpose of the guild is to promote quality sculpture and increase public awareness and access to that work, to support guild members in their artistic pursuits, to increase access to works produced by guild members on Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands. VISG produces two major shows per year and supports numerous small exhibitions.

Other Societies and Resources:

• Arab Artists Resources and Training is a non-profit arts group dedicated to the advancement of the work by Arab artists. Our commitment is to build a deeper appreciation of Arab artists throughout the world. Our major activities will include creating and distributing a resource guide, helping artists with grant finding and creating grant writing guides. We also hope to sponsor gallery showings, film festivals, lecture series, workshops and artists mentoring. Contact: Kay Tarapolsi, Founder info@aart.ws

• Global Art Information "Creditable Art Information and Subscription to international Visual Art Competition listings, ahead of time."  See: Events, Jobs and World Art Organizations.

• Very Special Arts "Very Special Arts is an international nonprofit organization with a unique mission: to promote arts, education and creative expression, involving children and adults with disabilities, thereby strengthening the human spirit and improving the quality of life for all."

• the International School of Art in Umbria, Italy

• Dialogue Voicing the Arts Dialogue, Inc., a nonprofit arts organization, was founded in 1978 by John Coplans of the Akron Art Institute (now known as the Akron Art Museum) and Don Harvey of the University of Akron. Their goal was to create a communications vehicle so that institutions throughout Ohio could share information on exhibitions. Today, that magazine - dialogue: voicing the arts - covers the visual arts throughout the Midwest, reporting on exhibitions, artists and arts organizations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, lower Michigan, Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania.  Contact: dialogarts@dialoguearts.com

• Waterloo, Scholarly Societies Project, Fine Arts
  Florence - Giuseppe Armani Art Society (Commercial)
  The National Association of Fine Artists (NAFA)
  International Guild of Fine Artists

• Book on Early Texas Painters, Sculptors and Graphics Artists

• Ipswich Art Society - Artists, Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers Founded in 1874, the Ipswich Art Society is one of the longest established art societies in the UK, and has amongst its members many talented professional and amateur artists. The Society plays a very active role in the visual arts in East Anglia organising many exhibitions, lectures, and social events for its members, friends, and for the public.  Contact: enquiries@ipswich-art-society.org.uk