Membership Benefits
Amplify your voice
We are stronger together, and the more members UKOA represents, the better we can advocate on your behalf.
We can advocate for individual members on a national and local level as well as for the sector as a whole.
Connect - Online and in person
Connect with colleagues across the sector via the UKOA members hub. A digital platform for the sector to connect, share good practice, and collaborate.
Exclusive member-only, in person, and online events, roundtables, workshops and more.
Innovate & Ideate
UKOA will work with members collaboratively to act as the sector's think-tank, generating & developing new ideas as well as sharing best practice.
UKOA VALUES
By becoming a member of UKOA we accept that we might not always agree on specifics - what we can agree on though are the values we want to embed in the organisation:
Respectful
The opera sector is highly heterogeneous, making solidarity vital for our advocacy. UKOA acknowledges this diversity by respecting the unique interests and opinions of every member.
We commit to being a loud, unified voice that champions the value of all organisations, regardless of their scale or reach.
Open
UKOA facilitates transparent sharing to enable mutual support across the sector for the benefit of all. We encourage a culture of collaboration while remaining realistic about the necessary business constraints of our members.
By being open, we ensure that knowledge and resources help the entire artform thrive.
Inclusive
We welcome professional opera organisations of all sizes with open arms and we are committed to mutual listening. By valuing diverse perspectives and specialisms, we create a richer environment for everyone.
UKOA also actively seeks to engage and support the essential freelance community within our sector.
Generous
We ask members to join with a spirit of generosity, considering what they can offer as well as what they might receive. Whether sharing expertise, time, or physical resources, this reciprocal approach strengthens our collective impact.
Success for one member is a celebrated win for the entire UKOA.
What does it cost and how does it work?
Cost
Following a start up grant from Arts Council England - UKOA is financed via membership fees. Membership fees are based on a % of annual turnover. The membership form (linked below) shows the actual membership fee your organisation will pay, but here are some examples to give you an idea:
Turnover £2m - annual membership - £1175
Turnover £250k - annual membership - £200
Turnover £20k - annual membership -£16
How does it work
Once you complete the membership form below you will receive an invoice for the first year's membership fee. That is all that is required to join.
As part of the membership form you will give us the details of all of your colleagues who you wish to have access to members' hub, they will receive an invitation to the hub and will automatically be added to the correct working groups or networks depending on their job roles.
UKOA is in the process of adopting new Articles of Association and a full membership agreement which will establish voting procedures for the UKOA Steering Group and enshrine members' ownership and governance of UKOA.
Until February 2027 UKOA has an interim board in place.
What next?
Membership is currently open to UK opera companies of any size and scale.
Freelance membership is expected to launch in late spring 2026.
If you are ready to sign up simply click the link below and enter your information - it shouldn't take more than 5 minutes.
If you would like to talk to us first click the second link and choose a convenient time slot for a call with, UKOA COO Bob Willard Watts to hear more about membership.