The Arts Society, previously known as The National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS), is a leading arts education charity that brings together people with a shared curiosity for the arts as well as promoting the conservation of our artistic heritage.

The Arts Society Goring is one of over 360 local societies across the UK and in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. We used to be called the Goring Decorative and Fine Arts Society (GADFAS) but we changed our name in 2017 after NADFAS changed its operating name to The Arts Society. We have been bringing people together who want to share and widen their love for the arts since 1987.

Our current membership is over 330 and our annual membership fee is £50.

As a member you can attend nine lectures a year at either a morning session which begins at 11.00am or an afternoon session which begins at 2.00pm. The lectures are held at Goring Village Hall on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Doors open an hour beforehand so you can meet friends and have a cup of coffee/tea before the lecture begins and make bookings for future events.

Through our monthly lectures you will learn more about the many topics covered by the expert lecturers who come to speak to us. They are all specialists in their fields and are chosen by The Arts Society for their presentation skills and ability to deliver high standard illustrated lectures that inform, educate and entertain. (Click here or on the "Lectures" tab to see a list of the forthcoming 2025/2026 lectures). However curently we are at capacity in the mornig and so have had to stop taking on new 'morning' members. However the good news is that there is plenty of space in the village hall to join as an 'afternoon' member.

Special Interest Days are arranged twice a year to provide an opportunity for you to study subjects in more detail and depth.

Day visits to exhibitions and places of interest are much enjoyed by our members and are a good way for you to get to know new people. Each year we organise both a UK and overseas trip. 

As a member you will also receive a free copy of the national magazine published quarterly by The Arts Society which provides articles on arts subjects, news of national activities and ideas about what is available for members, including courses. It also gives information about holidays arranged specifically for members.

We also reach out to the wider community through our Young Arts and Volunteering programmes by sponsoring enrichment activities. For detail of current and past project click on Volunteering.