The path to membership
The Society has evolved over the last few years and its membership structure has been modernised to fit with the wishes and aspirations of practising artists, existing members, alumni and others interested in this art form. The Society is the foremost organisation supporting and promoting botanical art within the UK and worldwide. As such it is also the professional body for those practising the artform.
The Society welcomes artists using all media except digitally created art and photography – ‘Pigments not Pixels!’ For examples of the range of media and genres please see our members’ work on the artists tab above.
We now have three categories of membership:
- Fellow Member
- Graduate Member (formally Foundation member)
- Student Member (students currently studying the Society’s Distance Learning Diploma Course)
FELLOW MEMBERSHIP
Fellows are artists whose work consistently shows exceptional botanical artistry and observation. Fellowship offers membership in a Society that celebrates diverse artistic styles while upholding the highest standards of botanical illustration.
Fellowship is for professional, practising artists who need the SBA Fellow (SBAF) qualification to demonstrate excellence. Fellows represent leading botanical artists in the UK and worldwide. Applications are accepted year‑round until 31 October and reviewed later in the year. The SBAF is widely recognised and awarded only to those who meet the criteria listed under Rules.
Applications are judged by an election committee of experienced artists. This process is separate from our exhibitions. If your work is not yet ready, you may reapply the following year with new or improved pieces.
What happens next?
After being elected to Fellow membership you will be entitled to use the letters ‘SBA Fellow’ or ‘SBAF’ after your name, signifying a guarantee of excellence in the world of botanical art. The Society will then expect only your best work to be submitted for our shows; selection is achieved on points and is not based on personal opinion; your work alone will be your passport to selection.
You will also be bound by our code of conduct which ensures that the worldwide esteem in which the SBA is held is retained.
The application process can be accessed using this link.
Rules of Process/Criteria:
- Digital uploads/emailed scanned images of five of your best, completed pieces. These pieces of work should reflect you at your best as an artist and must have enough content to enable the panel to truly evaluate your skill. You are also able to upload details from within these pieces.
- Digitally created work, photography, and giclee prints are not accepted.
- We advise you to view the work of existing Fellows on our website and to only submit work that you feel would fit alongside the work and/or exceed the high standard of our existing membership.
- Artists working in 3D should submit high quality studio pieces and all botanical elements must be accurate to be acceptable.
- Other elements may be included (for example pollinators) but the majority of the content and the focus of the piece should be botanical.
- This process also supports overseas/geographically remote applicants so that they are able to apply without discrimination and to make the costs of applying more manageable.
- The election committee may include a professional in the field from outside the Society.
- Written artist statement to be submitted to learn more about you as an artist, your work, what is important to you, and what you can bring to the Society.
- All of the applicant’s work and approach to botanical art are considered, e.g., examples of your presence on social media.
- It is preferable but not always essential to have had work, ideally several works, submitted and accepted for one or more past SBA exhibitions.
Info for Graduates:
Graduates of the Society’s Distance Learning Diploma Course may apply for Fellow membership. Previous students should submit new work demonstrating progression rather than coursework. However, those who achieved a distinction may include up to two coursework pieces within the required five artworks. This also applies to graduates of other diploma courses.
Benefits:
- The right to use the title ‘SBA Fellow’ or ‘SBAF’. This internationally recognised qualification demonstrates professional expertise and guarantees competence and artistic creativity. Fellowship may be required for certain positions and is acknowledged by commissioners, other Fellows, and the public.
- Welcome magazine and pack featuring illustrations from Fellow members.
- Twice yearly magazines, digital and printed, featuring articles from members and the world of botanical art.
- Submit works or articles for printed magazines and digital downloads.
- Have an artist page on the SBA website to display details of books, courses, and workshops.
- Enter up to six works into SBA exhibitions at a reduced submission fee (subject to selection).
- Reduced commission on exhibition sales (currently 35% for work up to 75cm on the longest side, 40% for more than 75cm).
- Entry into the biennial SBA art grant for a chance to be awarded a share of £10,000.
- A free copy of the show catalogue when attending the exhibition, on production of a membership card.
- Advance notice of SBA events.
- Free SBA online talks with guest speakers.
- Commercial commissions and opportunities offered exclusively to Fellow members.
- Opportunities to exhibit in satellite SBA shows and events.
- Make connections and gain exposure for your artwork.
- The opportunity to attend SBA social events.
- The opportunity to attend free or subsidised trips to museums and other events with fellow artists.
- Enjoy association with other SBA Fellows via publications.
- Periodic email news.
- Experience being part of an international art organisation, including networking and knowledge-sharing in botanical art.
Click here to visit the application page.
Subscription fees:
Currently: All artists, whether national or international £145 pa, due 1 January each year. This fee goes towards paying for our Plantae exhibitions at the Mall Galleries in London, our main cost as a society.
An invitation to renew subscriptions is issued each year in January and subscriptions must be paid by 1 March. Failure to do so (without explanation) will mean you cease to be a member and will need to reapply.
GRADUATE MEMBERSHIP
Graduate membership is available to graduates of our Distance Learning Diploma Course for one year following graduation. This membership is primarily an intermediary step for members inspired to proceed to Fellowship. Former students can use this membership to move towards Fellowship qualification, consolidate artistic practice, and prepare pieces for the application process.
Students qualifying via the Distance Learning Diploma Course (DLDC) are entitled to use DipSBA or DipSBA(Dist) after their name. Graduate members are bound by the Society’s Code of Conduct.
Rules of Process/Criteria:
Students having successfully completed the Distance Learning Diploma Course will be accepted as Graduate members for the first year after graduation. This year can be used to consolidate learning and consider further development as an artist.
Benefits:
- Twice yearly magazine featuring artwork, articles, tutorials, and other items.
- Submit works or articles for printed magazines and digital downloads.
- Enter up to five works into the London exhibition at a reduced submission fee (subject to selection).
- Reduced commission on exhibition sales (currently 35% for work up to 75cm, 40% for 75cm or more).
- Periodic email news.
- Free SBA online talks with guest speakers.
- The opportunity to attend SBA social events.
- Maintaining your association with the Society as you prepare to apply for Fellow membership.
- Provides a stepping stone towards Fellowship.
STUDENT MEMBERS
Included in the relevant course fees (only applies to students currently studying the Society’s Distance Learning Diploma Course). Student members are bound by the Students Code of Conduct.
Benefits:
- Exhibition: up to four works at a reduced submission fee per work (all work is subject to selection).
- Reduced commission on exhibition sales (currently 35% for work up to 75cm, 40% for more than 75cm).
- Welcome student handbook and magazines; both digital and printed.
- The opportunity to attend exclusive paid study events.
- The opportunity to attend SBA social events.
- Free SBA online talks with guest speakers.
Updated May 2026
