Free and low-cost art and culture memberships to sign up for
Historically seen as elitist and highbrow disciplines out of reach for many, arts organisations and galleries are increasingly seeking to make art and culture more accessible across the UK. From cheap film screenings to affordable tickets for some of the UK’s blockbuster art exhibitions, we’re confident that these discount schemes can help brew fascination and inspiration amongst creatives of all disciplines. Have a scroll below to start planning your inspiring day out!
Tate Collective
Location: London, Liverpool and Cornwall
Age range: 16-25
Price: Free
Joining the Tate Collective means free events, discounts across Tate’s cafes, and £5 tickets to big-name exhibitions by internationally-exhibiting artists. And the best part? Membership is completely free. Plus, you can stay in the know about unmissable opportunities.
Dazed Club
Location: UK-wide
Age range: All ages
Price: Free
Dazed Club is a free, community-driven platform for emerging creatives. Since then, it’s become home to a thriving community of over 15,000 users, primed to become the next-generation of cultural talent. As well as showcasing your work, you’ll unlock access to industry professionals and project briefs, and find new opportunities from free events, to paid jobs and creative grants.
Download the app on the App Store or Google Play
National Art Pass
Location: UK-wide
Age range: All ages, with caveats
Price: £37.50 for those under 30, £62.25 for those over and £93 for you and a plus-one
One of the most comprehensive ways to see the arts at a low price, the Art Pass gives members access to over 800 cultural sites across the UK at discounted rates, from free to half-price. Explore a diverse range of cultural spaces, from football museums all the way to film and even knitwear exhibitions.
BFI’s 25 and Under
Location: London
Age range: 16-25
Price: Free
Signing up to BFI’s 25 and Under scheme means £4 tickets for BFI Southbank Cinema to watch films ranging from Academy Award and Bafta contenders as well as indie flicks, to special screenings of restored films getting the IMAX treatment. Plus, every year, you can catch all of BFI London Film Festival’s latest releases for just £6.
Museums Association
Location: UK-wide
Age range: All ages
Price: £52 a year for basic plan, £67 for full-time students, retirees and volunteers
Joining the Museums Association means free access to hundreds of museums across the UK. Full and concessionary members get an extra monthly magazine as well as access to online personal development programmes, with courses of note focusing on the decolonisation of museums and ethical ways to write about artefacts.
Young Barbican
Location: London
Age range: 16-25
Price: Free
Young Barbican members can enjoy cheaper tickets to exhibitions and new release films,
discounted tickets across many events, and shop discounts in-store or online. Plus, you’ll be the first to know of upcoming opportunities and events through the Young Barbican email.
ICA Membership
Location: London
Age range: 16-25
Price: £25 a month, with concession membership available at £30 a year
With a membership to ICA, gain free entry to screenings, exhibitions, talks, and more. You also get free guest tickets, priority booking, and access to member-only events throughout the year.
Home Membership
Location: Manchester
Age range: All ages
Price: £30
One of Manchester’s most-loved venues, Home puts on a plethora of shows and exhibitions, including gender-swapped adaptations of Shakespearean plays. As a member, you’ll get priority booking as well as discounts on theatre tickets, food, books and gifts from the venue.
Rich Mix’s Mixer Membership
Location: London
Age range: 16-25
Price: Free
Deals, discounts and the feel good factor! This Mixer Membership offers discounts on cinema, live event tickets, and drinks. Plus, you’ll receive exclusive offers and special event invitations – while also supporting emerging artists and helping their work in the local community.
Royal Academy’s 25 and Under Membership
Location: London
Age range: 16-25
Price: Free
The Royal Academy allows those aged 16-25 to secure half-price tickets to exhibitions such as their annual Summer Exhibition, as well as blockbuster exhibitions throughout the year. Those in the 26-35 age group – or simply wanting a little extra – can also sign up to be a Young Friend, with free priority tickets for you and a plus-one, alongside access to a private lounge.
The Lowry’s Under 30 Scheme
Location: Manchester
Age range: 18-30
Price: Free
Love theatre and live in Manchester? If you’re between the ages of 18 and 30, performing arts space The Lowry has your back, with massively discounted tickets. Use the dedicated promo code on all eligible performances to get your fix of everything from dance to art exhibitions and musicals.
National Theatre’s 25 and Under Scheme
Location: London
Age range: 16-25
Price: Free
Aged between 16-25 years old? Unlock £10 tickets and under for shows for all three spaces at the National Theatre, as well as gaining access to discounted ticket options for a range of learning talks and courses. They range from re-stagings and reinterpretations of Greek tragedies to plays dealing with life in contemporary Britain.
Manchester Art Gallery’s Let’s Be Friends
Location: Manchester
Age range: All ages
Price: £36
Let’s Be Friends lets you support Manchester Art gallery directly – allowing you to attend inspiring talks, private tours, workshops and previews, and enjoy 10% off in the gallery shop and café.
This guide was originally published in February 2023 and was updated by the Creative Lives in Progress team in September 2025.