Status 

The Arts Society is the operating name of  The National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (“NADFAS”). NADFAS is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status.
The voting members are some 360 local Societies who in turn represent over 60,000 individual members.

It is registered with Companies House (no. 4307984), the Charity Commission (no. 1089743) and the Office of Scottish Charities (no. SC039240).

Charitable Objects

The promotion and advancement of the education of the public in the cultivation, appreciation and study of the decorative and fine arts; the conservation and preservation of the artistic heritage of the United Kingdom and other countries for the benefit of the public; and the advancement of the arts, culture and heritage, in particular, but without limitation, the decorative and fine arts.

APPROACH OF THE BOARD - Strategy: 

Following the decisive rejection by the voting members in 2024 of proposals to change the Articles of Association, a new Board has taken office following the 2024 AGM.  The new Board considers it has a mandate to review the Society’s strategy, whilst recognising it is accountable to the voting members.  The Board will focus on:

• Steps to reverse the recent decline in individual membership;
• Developing a digital strategy which can be implemented at both local society and national level in a self-sustaining way;
• Ensuring the Society’s resources are invested in initiatives which produce lasting benefits to enable the charitable objects to be achieved at both national and local level;
• Continuing and developing the high quality head office support provided to local societies in a cost effective way.
   

Further information will be provided as the detailed plans are developed.

Structure 

The Arts Society is an international organisation supporting around 360 Member Societies in the UK and abroad. 

Member Societies

Each Member Society is run by a volunteer committee that manages the Society's affairs. In turn, Member Societies all belong to a local Area. Areas are run by teams, headed by an Area Chairman who reports to the National Association.

The Trustee Board

The Trustee Board is responsible for leading The Arts Society and decides on matters of policy, strategy and finance, while setting the objectives for the Management Team. It is headed by the National Chairman - assisted by the National Vice-Chairman and Honorary Treasurer. The Board consists of Trustees elected by the membership and supported by additional Trustees co-opted for their skills. No Trustee may serve for more than two consecutive three-year terms.

Area Meetings

Twice a year Society representatives meet to discuss views and raise concerns. The Chair of the Area Support Team (CAST) and their team are also responsible for the pastoral care of the Societies within their Area.

Staff at The Arts Society

The day-to-day running of the Association is administered by a small paid staff, who work closely with volunteers.

AGM

The 2024 AGM took place on Friday 23rd August 2024 at Friends House in London. 
The minutes of the AGM 2024 can be accessed here. 

The 2023 AGM was held on 24th May 2023 at St George's Bristol.  The AGM minutes (AGM 2023) can be found here.