The Arts Society Colchester, formerly known as Colchester Decorative & Fine Arts Society, was established in 1981. We are an independent member society of The Arts Society, which is a leading arts education charity with a global network of local Societies which bring people together through a shared curiosity for the arts.
Our events provide welcoming places to hear expert lecturers share their specialist knowledge about the arts. Our current programme of lectures and study days can be downloaded here. We preserve and contribute to our artistic heritage through volunteering and grants. Our strength is our people, joined together by a passion for the arts which can nourish and empower us all. Our work creates a better, healthier and more connected society.
Our Society has up to 300 members from Colchester and its environs. For details about how to join us please see the Joining Us page on the website. If you would like further information about membership, then please email us through the Contact Us page. Our privacy policy can be viewed here.
Our lectures are supported by organised visits to places of interest. As an associate of The Arts Society we are often able to arrange access to houses that are not usually open to the public and to obtain the services of guides at museums and galleries. Visits can include a five- or six-day guided tour which in alternate years is either in the UK or abroad. Such tours also often include venues not normally accessible to the general public and are very popular. For further information please visit our Visits & Tours page.
Our Society is also active in supporting our local artistic heritage and community, through our Volunteering programmes. Please visit our Volunteering pages for fuller descriptions of the breadth and depth of our activities, and how you can become involved.
Two certificates were awarded to the Colchester Decorative and Fine Arts Society (now The Arts Society Colchester). By clicking here you can view one presented by The Keep Colchester Castle Appeal in 1981 in respect of a donation to the Appeal. In 1993 the British Library also awarded a certificate to the Society, in appreciation of assistance towards the preservation of the book History and Antiquities of Colchester, printed in 1810, which can be seen here.
Page last updated April 2026
Image of Vase reproduced by kind permission of Colchester City Council