Artist is taking note of attacks (5)
I believe the answer is:
raids
'attacks' is the definition.
(I know this)
'artist is taking note' is the wordplay.
'artist' becomes 'RA' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'taking' is an insertion indicator.
'note' becomes 'd' (musical note).
'is' enclosing 'd' is 'ids'.
'ra'+'ids'='RAIDS'
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for raids that I've seen before include "Invasions" , "Military attacks" , "Military incursions, forays" , "Surprise attacks" , "Searches by police without warning" .)