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Welcome to The Arts Society Colchester's website

Our objective is to enhance our membership's appreciation of our artistic and cultural heritage, both national and international, in the lively company of others with similar interests. We hold ten monthly lectures, from October through to July. These are on a diverse range of arts related topics through which we aim to expand our knowledge of areas not always encountered. In addition there are Study Days, where there will be three lectures covering a given subject in much greater depth.

The Arts Society Colchester is part of the Essex Area of The Arts Society. Visit their website to find out about area study days, or lectures, visits and events at neighbouring societies.

For more details about what we have to offer, please browse the pages of this website.


LATEST NEWS

Booking is now open for our next Study Day, 'Sunlight, Sunflowers and Cultivating Colour' with Twigs Way, which is on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at Nayland Village Hall.  Further details and the booking form can be found on the What's On/Special Interest Days page and at lectures.

Booking is also now open for our 2027 holiday, which is to Istanbul from 11-15 April.  Full details and brochure with booking form can be found on the What's On/Visits and Tours page and the brochures are available at lectures.

We have organised an exclusive visit to the exhibition Out of Line: Banksy and the Art of Dissent at the Minories on Monday 12 October 2026, which will include a glass of prosecco or soft drink and a talk by John Brandler of Brandler Galleries.  The booking form and full details can be found on the What'sOn/Visits and Tours page and at lectures.

Once again this year the Volunteering team is asking members to produce knitted or crocheted poppies for sale by the Royal British Legion in November 2026.  There is a selection of different easy poppy patterns which can be downloaded here, or are available from the Volunteering desk at lectures.

The Arts Society has developed a YouTube channel, as an easy way for Members to stay up to date and comment on the latest videos and arts-related posts.  Subscribing also means you won’t miss new episodes of the Artfully Said Podcast, featuring engaging conversations and ideas from lecturers and experts. 

 




WHAT'S COMING UP

Thursday 08 October 2026
Lecture
A Boy from Lowestoft: The Life & Works of Benjamin Britten

Roger Askew
130

Monday 12 October 2026
Visit
Out of Line: Banksy and the Art of Dissent at The Minories

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57

Wednesday 21 October 2026
Special Event
Sunlight, Sunflowers and Cultivating Colour

Twigs Way
28