Fylde Decorative and Fine Arts Society held its inaugural meeting in October 2009. It’s now called The Arts Society Fylde and is a Member Society of The Arts Society. The Arts Society was originally NADFAS – The National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Society – founded in 1968.
The aim is the advancement of arts education and appreciation and the preservation of our artistic heritage. But it’s not just about painting! If you are interested in sculpture, architecture, jewellery, ceramics, glass, poster art, theatre, mosaics, – just about anything that involves good design – then this group is for you.
What the Arts Society Fylde Does
Delivering arts education to the Fylde Coast community through lectures, study days and visits, plus community and heritage projects.
- Organise an annual programme of lectures, delivered by national and international experts in their field
- Provide Special Interest Days where members have the opportunity to learn in more depth about specific aspects of fine and decorative arts. For example a day devoted to the study of glass was led by Andy McConnell from the Antiques Roadshow
- Arrange arts-related visits and tours – the first overseas trip was to Krakow in May 2011. Other trips included guided tours of local churches and trips to places such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Lowry, and Saltaire. Brantwood and the Ruskin Museum in the Lake District and another to Harewood House in Yorkshire. A five day excursion examining the Art & History of Bristol, Bath & Tyntesfield. Plus a Spanish tour of Madrid, Salamanca and Toledo and many others.
- There are plenty of volunteering activities, such as Church Recording, Heritage Volunteering and opportunities to become involved in the running and administration of the society. The Church Recording Group has been busy at the White Church in Ansdell. Other heritage volunteers have embroidered kneelers for the chapel at Stoneyhurst.
Volunteering, Networking & More
- Support Young Arts. We launched our first major Young Arts project with local primary schools and funded prizes for individuals, and workshops at the Lowry Gallery for the winning school. We worked with local sixth forms and hosted an exhibition of their work at the Booths Gallery in Lytham. We have supported local young artists with small grants and given them an opportunity to showcase their work
- Network with other Arts Associations and keep members up-to-date about local arts events and exhibitions
- Provide opportunities to showcase the artistic work of our members
- Organise social events and facilitate a warm and friendly environment for all members.
- Ensure that we are part of the fabric of the Fylde community and a positive force for the wider benefit of arts at local level. We do this by networking, supporting the local voluntary and community sector, and involving ourselves in worthwhile community activities related to our aims and ethos.
Tagging the Treasures Project
Fylde Decorative and Fine Arts Society (as was) secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out the ‘Tagging the Treasures’ Project. More than 80 volunteers have been ‘Tagging the Treasures’ given to the people of Lytham St. Annes by various donors over the past 90 years.
It’s an exciting chance to celebrate the heritage of industrial Lancashire, civic pride and culture of philanthropy that formed the beginnings of the Lytham St Annes Art Collection. The work included research into the artworks themselves and the donors. As you can imagine there’s many an interesting tale to tell. As there is no regular art gallery they have been stored in the cellars of the Town Hall.
Find out More about the Arts Society Fylde
From their own website at www.fyldedfas.org.uk.
Other Fylde Coast groups…
- The Arts Society Fylde
- Lancashire Dead Good Poets Society
- Lytham St Annes Photographic Society
- North Fylde Photographic Society
- Phoenix Strings
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