Who we are :
The Association of Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (ADFAS) is a group of 34 Societies that offer their members a series of monthly informative and entertaining illustrated lectures plus some workshops covering a broad range of subjects relating to art. The talks are usually complemented by a friendly social gathering before or after with refreshments. Together, the 34 Societies form the Association of Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, the central body responsible for the overall programming and lecturer schedules. Each local Society is managed by a volunteer chairman and committee who organise the presentation of the annual program of six to nine lectures.
Who our lecturers are :
ADFAS lecturers are mostly from the UK , some are Australian. They are experts in their field and are often curators of galleries or professionals who have written widely in their subjects. Overseas lecturers come to Australia to tour one of three circuits and lecture only to ADFAS members while on tour.
Where we are :
Societies are based in most major cities and regional areas throughout Australia , from Hobart in the south to Cairns in the far north, with over 6,000 members. more….
Our history :
The first ADFAS was formed in Sydney in 1985 by Mrs Patricia Robertson OAM and an enthusiastic group of founding members. It was based on the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) founded in England in 1968. The Association of ADFAS was formed in 1989 to co-ordinate the activities of the individual societies within Australia . It is administered by a national executive committee, policy being determined by a council of society chairmen which meets twice a year.
Executive Committee 2011:
| Chairman |
Trish Roche Greville |
| Vice Chairman |
Pam Nielson |
| Honorary Treasurer |
Patrick Batho |
| Honorary Secretary |
Jenny Harper |
| Members |
Airlie Bell, Terry Cronin, Glenda Culley, Jennifer Dewar, Sarah Howey, Dennis Lovelock, Michael Williams, Barb Tanner (LSC Chairman ex officio) |
Contact: honsecretary@adfas.org.au |
Who can join :
Anyone with an interest in the arts or who wishes to develop an interest in the arts is very welcome to join. No prior knowledge is needed and the lectures are pitched at a very accessible level. Members come from diverse backgrounds but all are interested in learning more about the arts. Societies provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the arts and offer friendship and camaraderie with people with similar interests.
Membership between Societies is not transferable, however members are very welcome to attend lectures held by other ADFAS Societies at a nominal charge which varies between Societies.
How to join ADFAS :
If you are interested, complete the form provided and your details will be sent to the Society you select. If you're not sure of which Society to choose, send it and we'll redirect it for you.
How to create a new ADFAS Society :
The Association of ADFAS welcomes new societies into the organisation. Initial enquiries to start a new society should be emailed to newsocieties@adfas.org.au. This will give you an opportunity to discuss the pros and cons associated with the establishment of a new society. The location of the proposed society, the level of interest for potential members in your area and availability of a suitable venue are all matters of prime importance. Once a decision has been taken to start a new society, comprehensive guidelines can be provided on how to proceed.
How we're involved in the arts locally :
ADFAS Volunteers are involved in a wide variety of projects including undertaking heritage and conservation work, guiding at historic properties and church recording. more...
ADFAS Young Arts is promoted by Societies through scholarships and grants, encouragement and support for artistic endeavours in local communities of yong artists and school students. more...
ADFAS is also involved with various projects at a national level.
In a number of rural communities the local ADFAS Society has become the focus of cultural activities for the region.
If you have travel plans :
ADFAS Travel offers tours to a variety of interesting destinations, with specially designed itineraries for ADFAS members. more...
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