Applicants for professional membership submit a resume and two recommendations. After paying for your membership, you will receive an email with the link to submit your information. See the full list of membership requirements and privileges.
- Western/Cowboy music & poetry
- Western Swing music
- Western Country music
- Western art
- Western media
- Western culture industry
- Chuckwagon
Requires five years as a paid professional in genre or craft, photos/examples of work, two recommendations by professionals, and approval by Academy of Western Artists.
Voting privileges for annual award.
Listed in the Academy directory and on the Academy website.
Work eligible for inclusion in traveling exhibit.
Opportunity to be a mentor/teacher and to lead a workshop.
Priority access and discounts on Academy events including Academy of Western Artists Awards Shows.
All Academy newsletters, plus online subscriptions to Rope Burns and Celebrating the WestSM magazine.
Exclusive access to all genre membership lists.
Access to discounted third-party professional services, such as booking, management, promotion, distribution, sales, and professional mentors.
Musical duos/groups/bands: Group profiles are created after purchasing your individual membership. For award eligibility, at least one member of the group must be a current professional member. The other group members must be either current professional or associate members of the Academy.
Please include in your resume: What product or craft do you create? How many years of experience do you have?
Where has your work or product been displayed or featured? What awards or recognition have you received?
Would you be able to supply photos or examples of your work if required?
Please select the membership length.