The Arts Society at 50: the Chairman’s story

The Arts Society brings people together and enriches lives, explains Chairman June Robinson BEM, in one of a series of stories featuring those who have helped shape our 50-year history.

Photo: John Millar

I discovered NADFAS (as it then was) in 1996. As there were waiting lists for all my local Societies and I was working, I set up a new evening Society for Leatherhead in Surrey. I knew very little about the organisation at that point, so I wasn’t inhibited by how things should be done; we were as creative as we liked, while following the basic rules. Since that first day I have been involved at every level, leading to this role.
 
As Chairman, I chair the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the governance of the charity, and work with our Chief Executive and the national office team to discuss how strategies can be implemented. I’m also an ambassador for the Society, networking with other organisations that can help us make our voice heard in the arts world.
 
People often tell me they don’t want to join because they ‘know nothing about the arts’. But that’s precisely why they should! What The Arts Society has given me is immeasurable. I’ve been part of it for 22 years, and everything I have learned has helped me appreciate the underlying influence of art in so many aspects of life.
 
There’s always something to learn, but The Arts Society is about more than that. There’s been a lot in the news recently about loneliness, especially with the appointment of a dedicated minister for loneliness. I’d say that if anyone can get to a Society lecture or event, then they should consider it. The potential for making friends is huge. I’ve organised many tours and visits, and there is always someone keen to share the experience.
 
This year is about looking forward. We have some fantastic anniversary events coming up, from our celebratory service at Westminster Abbey in May, to the launch of our new grants scheme.
 
We have challenges to rise to: growing our membership, retaining relevance and reaching diverse audiences. We also have opportunities: there are more than 90,000 of us. We have a voice, one that can be used to ensure that the arts are accessible to all.
 
As told to Sue Herdman for The Arts Society Magazine spring 2018.