VAGA is a membership body that represents the interests of organisations and individuals concerned with the exhibition, interpretation and development of modern and contemporary visual art on behalf of the public. Members benefit from full access to their website, giving details of forthcoming talks, reference materials, network links to other VAGA members and promotional opportunities for your projects to the membership.

Axis is the most extensive national listing of practising, contemporary artists in the UK and has recently opened up its directory to contemporary curators. Axis has been online since 1999 and now includes material on over 4,000 artists. Open Frequency is a frequently changing, on-line showcase of selected artists' current work, chosen by curators every 2 months. Artists and projects are selected by a national network of invited, curatorial advisors, who nominate artists in their region or country for inclusion.

Did you, or someone you know, study or work at one of the Colleges of University of the Arts London? Register with the Alumni Association and take advantage of the free benefits which include monthly email newsletter, opportunities to promote you and your work, invites to reunions and private views, access to the College libraries and discounts on short courses. Register your details online at the website above, or contact the Association for more information. Colleges include London College of Fashion, London College of Communication, Chelsea School of Art and Design, Central St Martin's College of Art and Design, Camberwell College of Art and Wimbledon College of Art.

The AOI was established in 1973 to advance and protect illustrators rights and encourage professional standards. The AOI is a non-profit making trade association dedicated to its members professional interests and the promotion of illustration. The membership consists primarily of freelance illustrators as well as agents, clients, students and lecturers. The AOI is run by an administrative staff to a Council of Management, made up of illustrators elected at the Annual General Meeting. The AOI is the only body to represent and campaign for illustrators rights in the UK. It has successfully increased the standing of illustration as a profession and improved commercial and ethical conditions of employment.

Set up at the end of 2003, FAN is a meeting point for figurative artists based around monthly meetings in members studios. Run by Steve Yeates (www.steveyeates.co.uk).

A registered charity working to educate, inspire and involve the public in every aspect of the appreciation and practice of the fine art's by offering a varied programme of exhibitions and events including the work of both young and established artists.

The trade and marketing association for those professionally involved in the picture trade: artists, art galleries, picture framers, frame restorers, conservation framers, print publishers, framing equipment suppliers etc.

The National Acrylic Painters' Association (NAPA), founded in 1985, was evolved from the concept that acrylic paint is still largely unrecognised. The association intends to be a vehicle for collective exhibitions, which aim to promote the excellence and innovation of the medium.