The Arts Society West Sussex is a member of the national Arts Society that was originally known as NADFAS, the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Society, it has over 300 local societies up and down the UK as well as in Spain, Australia and New Zealand. This gives us access to the directory of accredited speakers and a quarterly magazine amongst other benefits.

We were one of the first Arts Societies beginning our journey in 1969 and still have one or two founding members.

Run by volunteers the Arts Society West Sussex is committed to projects within the community and supports an active Young Arts programme. Last year the programme ran sculpture workshops, arranged visits to a local Gallery with an Art Educator and curated a PopUp art Exhibition for 15 local schools as part of the Petworth Festival. We also enabled a Music day for two schools at the prestigious venue of Champs Hill and lastly we arranged a very successful Poetry Week - Voices in Nature - which culminated in a soundscape of the children’s verse. Please see the Young Arts page here for further details.

WHERE WE MEET

We meet in Filttleworth Village Hall on the first Tuesday of each month with the exception of January and August. There is good parking at the Hall and an award winning village store and coffee shop next door.

JOINING

We are a very friendly and enthusiastic society, and appreciate the excellent speakers. We organise lunches so members can socialise, and arrange visits to historic houses and gardens. We would love to welcome new members - Membership fees are £60 a year and visitors are most welcome for £10. The membership fee is reduced if you join later in the year.

COMMITTEE 2024/25

Christine Parker, Chair

Janet Tomlinson, Vice Chair & Treasurer

Jean Hugget, Secretary

Gilly Myers, Membership Secretary

Madeline Southall, Programme Secretary