help us enrich peoples’ lives through the arts

Starting a new Society is an extremely rewarding experience. It brings together people from a variety of different backgrounds that share an interest in the arts. It is also a fantastic way to give something back to your local community and develop new skills in the process. 

People start a new Society for a variety of reasons. Many have relocated to a new area where there is no group or an existing one is fully subscribed. Some people are looking for a new direction in life, others enjoy a challenge. All have a passion to open up the world of arts and heritage to others. 

As a founder member of a Society you will become part of a unique group of people that has helped The Arts Society grow into the force for good it is today.

Starting a new branch of The Arts Society is a challenging but hugely rewarding project, and our experienced advisors will be there to support you every step of the way. We will also offer you financial support to help you get up and running.

To find out more, download our 'Steps to starting a new Society' guide below, or contact our Membership Department at enquiries@theartssociety.org.

“Setting up a Society was such a lovely experience, that I wanted to share it with other people”

- Jane Sawyer, Founder of The Arts Society High Weald and former Chairman of the New Societies Committee

"Well, it was a challenge which, however, was worth going for!! There was already a substantial number of academic lectures organised locally, nearly every week, so our lectures needed to offer something different. We tried all means of publicity, newspapers, radio and television, to promote our Society in Malta, which indeed helped. Perhaps the important thing is that as a committee, we communicate and work as a family.”

- Georgina, The Arts Society Malta

“It seemed a good idea to start a new Society and it was, because at the end of our second fully operational year we have 260 members and the feedback we get from them is hugely positive. Our committee has worked really hard together and we now have a great team who are all ‘pulling together’, again a challenge when most of us didn’t know each other before we started this.

After two years we have an exciting 10 lecture programme, have at least 5 visits and 2 study days a year as well as a Christmas and Summer Party.”

- Alison, The Arts Society Chiswick