Founded in 1881, Leicester Society of Artists, commonly known as LSA, is a distinguished artist-led organization committed to supporting the interests of professional visual artists throughout Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The Society is a not-for-profit, unincorporated artist-led organisation with a membership today of around 160 visual arts practitioners representing a diverse spectrum of disciplines. The Society is self funded and, without salaried staff, depends entirely upon the dedication and expertise of Member volunteers to manage its daily operations and programmes.
Artists working or studying in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland or having strong connections with the locality are invited to apply for membership. Applications are through an election process held annually. Election to membership is by majority vote in recognition of work submitted.
LSA membership provides professionals with opportunities to:
· Exhibit their work and participate in events organized by the Society
· Connect with a collaborative and supportive network of peers
· Showcase their art through the official LSA website
Oversight of the membership selection process is entrusted to the LSA Council, the elected governing body of the Society.
Key Dates 2026
Application deadline: 23:59, Saturday 5 September 2026
Artwork delivery: Saturday 26 September 2026, 9:30am-10:00am
Location: Beaumont House, Stoughton Drive South, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 2NA
Results issued: By 7:00pm, Monday 28 September 2026
Membership begins: September 2026
Eligibility
Applicants must be visual artists who meet at least one of the following criteria:
· Reside, work, or study in Leicester, Leicestershire, or Rutland
· Have a strong connection with the Leicester area
Membership Expectations
Being a member of the LSA requires a long-term commitment, before you apply please be aware of and understand the following.
Members are expected to:
· Exhibit regularly
· Help set up and dismantle exhibitions
· Attend AGMs, private views, and social events
· Support the Society’s growth
Fees
Application: Free
If elected:
· £45 annual subscription
· £15 one-off administration fee
· Exhibition entry fees also apply (typically £20 per exhibition)
Annual subscriptions are payable each September. Failure to pay may result in loss of membership.
Application Requirements
Artworks
Applicants are required to submit four original artworks, each created within the past three years and demonstrating a consistently high standard. Acceptable media include: Painting, Drawing, Mixed media, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Glass, Ceramics, Textiles
Please note: Works requiring electricity cannot typically be exhibited.
Reproductions of original works cannot be accepted.
Optional Supporting Material
You are encouraged to also include:
Sketchbook images
Up to four preparatory studies
A short CV
An artist statement
Artwork Delivery
You must deliver your work in person or via a representative:
Date & Time:
Saturday 26 September 2026, 9:30am-10:00 am
Location:
Beaumont House, Stoughton Drive South, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2NA
On the day:
Unwrap your work for assessment
Leave it with the LSA Council
Return later the same day to collect it – a time will be advised.
If a representative is delivering on your behalf, you must provide their details in advance.
All works must be clearly labelled with: Your name; Title and Medium
Presentation Standards
All submitted work must be: Professionally presented and exhibition-ready (ie. appropriately framed)
Selection Process
Applications are assessed by the LSA Council.
To be elected, your work must satisfy the majority of the panel based on:
A – Cohesion: A consistent, high-quality body of work
B – Technical skill: Effective use of materials and processes
C – Individuality: Evidence of originality, creativity, or emotional engagement
D – Presentation: Professional, exhibition-ready standard
Practical Information
Artwork can be dropped off at the main entrance to Beaumont House
Assistance is available if you have mobility needs
Free parking is available on Glebe Road
The nearby Botanic Gardens facilities (including toilets) will be open from 10 am should you choose to visit.
No refreshments are available on site
Results
You will be notified of the outcome by email by 7:00pm on Monday 28 September 2026.
If Unsuccessful
Feedback is available on request
You are encouraged to apply again
There is no limit to the number of applications
Many current members were not successful on their first application.
If Successful
You will receive an invitation to join the Society, along with a request for payment of £60 (annual subscription + administration fee).
Apply Now
To begin your application, complete the online registration form.
You will receive an automatic confirmation email once submitted.