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 lectures are held at 8pm from October to July in the comfortable purpose-built lecture theatre in the Sixth Form Centre at JAGS (James Allen's Girls' School) in Green Dale, off East Dulwich Grove. No access from the school. See the Where we Meet page for map and details. Access from 7.15pm

If you are unable to get to JAGS, our lectures are also available live on Zoom (but not recorded for playback). Guests are welcome in person at JAGS or on Zoom on payment of £10 per lecture, cash or card at the door or online. To watch on Zoom, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for bank transfer details to pay the fee; use ref. Zoom and the lecture date, e.g. Zoom91025. Once payment received, the Zoom link is sent.

PLEASE NOTE, in spite of our best efforts, lectures that include film or music clips do not transmit well over Zoom from JAGS. Please attend in person if possible. Zoom is a 'nice to have' but we cannot guarantee great quality, because of the system at JAGS.

Wine, water and nibbles are available in the Sixth Form foyer before lectures. 

We arrange visits throughout the season - check the visits page. Friends and family welcome.

The Arts Society Greater London Area offers a wide range of in-depth study days in Central London. These are open to all and costs are very reasonable.

Date: Thursday 4 December 2025, 8.00pm
Lecturer: Rosalind Whyte

NB: this lecture will take place on the first Thursday of the month - normally our lectures are the second Thursday
450 years ago, an artist was born who would bring about one of the most radical changes in pictorial style, particularly through his pronounced use of contrasting light and shadow or chiaroscuro. He was the most famous painter of his time in Italy, as well as a source of inspiration for hundreds of other artists. Known as Caravaggio, his given name was Michelangelo Merisi. Although he had the name of an angel he was anything but, being a notorious brawler and spending his last years on the run from a murder charge. This lecture will introduce you to the drama of the life and the art of Caravaggio.

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