The objectives of the Guild are to advance education in all the visual arts and crafts by means of lectures, meetings, demonstrations, discussions ... and to foster and maintain high standards of design and craftsmanship in all branches of the visual arts and crafts in any way which may be beneficial to the community.
Membership is open to artists, craftsmen and others engaged in design or the practice of the visual arts and crafts. Candidates for election are put forward by a proposer and seconder and invited to submit work for consideration by the General Committee. Associate Membership (limited to 50) is open to others not qualified for ordinary membership who are nevertheless capable of playing a useful part in the Guild's work through their interest in and knowledge of the visual arts and crafts.
The proceedings of the Guild are governed by a committee comprising the Master, Master-Elect, immediate Past-Master, the Chairman of the Trustees, the Honorary Treasurer, two Honorary Secretaries, the Honorary Architect, Honorary Librarian, Honorary Archivist, Honorary Curator, Honorary Editor, three Past-Masters (elected annually) and six other members elected from the membership. The work of the Guild is administered by the Guild Secretary. The Master presides at all Guild and Committee meetings.
The property and finances of the Guild are owned and managed by the Art Workers Guild Trustees Ltd, a private company set up in 1913 and registered as a charity. Directors are all members of the Guild, appointed for five years and include the Honorary Treasurer, the Master, the Master-Elect and immediate Past-Master. Other Guild officers attend by invitation.
