Visual Arts UK, VAUK, is a newly formed network of representative bodies and agencies with a national/UK-wide reach. Founding members include:

• AIR/a-n
• Artquest
• Axis
• The Contemporary Art Society
• The Crafts Council
• engage The National Association for Gallery Education
• International Curators Forum
• The National Federation of Artists' Studio Providers
• and VAGA

• Inform and influence the national policy context as it affects the visual arts; co-ordinating approaches on policy and initiatives that affect the sector and creating common responses when appropriate
• Provide a platform for dialogue and consultation with Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) that have a funding and strategic remit for arts, culture and the creative industries and to further collaboration between NDPBs and the sector
• Share intelligence, strategy and forward plans in order to build the capacity of the network members, develop leadership and enhance the public benefit that they collectively provide
• Provide a focus for dialogue and consultation with other visual arts and cultural fora and national networks

• Raising the political profile for the visual arts within the context of a General Election
• Supporting the campaign for affordable artists’ studios to be retained and developed within the five Olympic boroughs as part of the Olympic legacy
• Supporting the development of contemporary collections for the public benefit
• Supporting practice based visual arts learning and education

VAUK Statement

Criteria for membership