Statue by Louise Simson showing Edward Alleyn directing a child actor. Alleyn, an actor and entrepreneur, founded Dulwich College in 1619.

Welcome

We are the Dulwich branch of The Arts Society, formerly NADFAS, a leading arts education charity bringing together people with a curiosity for the arts and providing world-class lecturers. The belief that the arts have the potential to enrich peoples' lives is at the heart of everything we do.

Our speakers are selected from 380+ accredited lecturers in The Arts Society's Directory, all of whom go through a rigorous process to ensure a high level of subject expertise and presentation skills.

Our monthly lectures are held at 8pm from October to July in the comfortable purpose-built lecture theatre at the Sixth Form Centre at James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS). There is no access to the Sixth Form Centre from JAGS main school on lecture nights. To get to the Sixth Form Centre and its car park, look for the recessed wrought-iron gates just beyond JAGS Prep in Green Dale, around the corner from East Dulwich Grove. Press the button mounted on the stand on the driver's side and wait for the gates to open. If someone answers - the button connects with the main school reception - say you're with The Arts Society Dulwich. Access is from 7.15pm.

If you are unable to come in person, our lectures are also available live on Zoom (not recorded). Guests are welcome in person or on Zoom by paying £10 per lecture. Pay at the door, no booking required; or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the online payment and Zoom link.

Wine by the glass (£4.00 cash or card), water and nibbles (free) are available in the Sixth Form foyer before lectures. 

We arrange visits to places of interest and artistic merit throughout the season - check the visits page for booking forms. Friends and family are welcome to join our visits.

The Arts Society Greater London Area offers an eclectic range of study days in Central London encouraging deeper examination of arts-related subjects. These are open to everyone and costs are very reasonable.

Any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CANCELLED: Art Down Under from the Convict Years to the Modern Era

Date: Thursday 2 April 2020, 8.00pm
Lecturer: Val Woodgate

Responses to life in the strange new continent were initially seen through European, and especially British, artistic traditions. 19th century Australian Impressionism and the Heidelberg School challenged the dominance of the Victorian style, with Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and others producing works which became Australian icons. The First World War was a watershed in Australian and New Zealand history; no longer subservient to Europe, artists now found their own language to depict their unique landscape and culture. At the same time indigenous artists began to respond to contemporary life, while retaining the traditions of their ancestors.

PLEASE NOTE: This lecture is taking place on the FIRST Thursday of April 2020, whereas our lectures are normally on the second Thursday of the month.

Where we meet

Our lectures take place in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre, James Allen's Girls' School.

Map and directions

How to join

Membership includes all lectures as well as access to visits and events and membership of The Arts Society.

Join us