By enrolling in the Artist Membership program (“Membership”) with The DC Arts Center (“DCAC”), you (“Member”) agree to the following terms and conditions:
Membership Types & Fees
Annual Membership: $200 per year, or $50 per year for students with valid proof of enrollment. Monthly Membership: $20 per month, or $5 per month for students with valid proof of enrollment (equivalent to $240/year or $60/year for students).
Commitment & Auto-Renewal
All Memberships require a 12-month commitment. Memberships automatically renew at the end of the 12-month term unless canceled by the Member through the Member Portal prior to renewal. DCAC staff cannot process cancellations on a Member’s behalf. All cancellations are entirely Member-driven and must be completed online through the designated portal. Canceling a Membership only stops future auto-renewal; it does not terminate or refund the current 12-month term. Memberships cannot be canceled mid-term for any reason.
Payment Obligations
By enrolling, you authorize DCAC (or its payment processor) to charge your payment method on file for Membership fees according to your selected plan. Members are responsible for ensuring their payment information is accurate and up to date. Failed or declined payments may result in suspension of benefits until the account is brought current.
WallMountables Participation & Monthly Memberships
Members with a monthly plan who participate in WallMountables or other programs requiring a minimum financial contribution must ensure their payments cover participation costs. If cumulative monthly payments at the time of participation are less than the cost of participation, the outstanding balance becomes immediately due and payable.
Chargebacks & Disputes
Disputes and chargebacks initiated with your financial institution do not release your obligation to pay. While banks often resolve disputes in favor of the cardholder as a customer service practice, DCAC maintains the right to collect the full balance owed, including through third-party collection services if necessary. Any costs incurred by DCAC in the collection of unpaid balances (including collection agency fees, legal fees, or court costs) will be the responsibility of the Member.
Refunds
Membership fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, including but not limited to: lack of use, change in personal circumstances, or mid-term cancellation. Refunds are not provided for unused months, partial terms, or disputes resolved externally in the Member’s favor.
Student Membership Verification
Members enrolling at the student rate must provide valid proof of student status upon enrollment and annually at renewal. Failure to provide verification may result in conversion to a standard rate Membership and immediate billing of the difference.
Membership Benefits
Membership benefits, including eligibility for programs such as WallMountables, are subject to change at DCAC’s discretion. DCAC makes no guarantee of acceptance into exhibitions, programs, or opportunities based solely on Membership.
Tax Implications
Membership fees are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions because they provide material benefits, including but not limited to eligibility for exhibitions, programs, access to space, and discounts. Members are solely responsible for any tax implications associated with their Membership. DCAC does not provide tax advice, and Members should consult their own tax professional with questions.
Separate donations to DCAC that exceed the cost of Membership and are not tied to material benefits may be considered tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. DCAC will provide written acknowledgment for such donations upon request.
Termination by DCAC
DCAC reserves the right to suspend or terminate Membership at any time for:
Nonpayment or unresolved chargebacks
Violation of DCAC policies, rules, or codes of conduct
Fraudulent use of Membership benefits
Termination for cause does not release the Member from financial obligations.
Limitation of Liability
Membership does not guarantee acceptance, sales, visibility, or success. DCAC is not liable for any damages, financial losses, or claims arising from participation in Membership programs.
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the District of Columbia. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts located within Washington, D.C.
Acceptance of Terms
By purchasing a Membership, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.