About The Arts Society Fife - www.theartssocietyfife.org.uk
What is The Arts Society Fife
A friendly, Fife-wide society bringing people together to enjoy the arts in all their forms. As part of the national Arts Society, formerly known as NADFAS, we share one aim: to promote the enjoyment and understanding of the arts through top-quality talks, lectures, visits and cultural activities.
Why should I join?
• Because you are curious
• You are keen to celebrate, appreciate and support the arts
• You are looking to develop an existing interest or you might be just starting out
• Talks and lectures are revealing, thought-provoking and educational
• Study Days and visits are rewarding
• You’d like the option to volunteer with local arts-related projects.
• As new member Clare says,” I wasn’t sure what I was signing up for but I have learned so much already and met new people from across the county. The Arts Society Fife is enriching my life.”
Who can join?
Anyone interested in the arts.
Who are your members?
From across Fife, we are from all walks of life. Because our lectures are in-person and currently held on a Tuesday afternoon at 2pm our members tend to be home-based, freelance, flexible workers or retired.
How do I join?
• Pick up details at your first event and then pay the subscription fee or
• email the membership team on membership.fife@theartssociety.org.uk
How much does it cost?
Our current annual subscription is £60 per person, or £110 for two people living at the same address.
What are the benefits of joining?
• Free entry to all 10 monthly talks/lectures on varied aspects of the expressive arts, with refreshments afterwards
• Priority booking for study days, visits and tours
• The glossy and highly informative Arts Society magazine delivered to your door three times a year
• Arts Society newsletters with updates on events that are local and further afield
• Opportunities to join in volunteering and community projects.
I’m already a member. How do I renew membership?
Renewal details are sent to you each year. You can renew online via the website or by emailing the Membership Secretary, Liz, on membership.fife@theartssociety.org
What are the talks/lectures about?
A range of subjects, from fine arts, architecture and photography, music, theatre, cultural history and much more. Please click on Lectures above to see future and past subjects.
Who are the speakers?
We choose speakers who have been accredited by The Arts Society through its rigorous selection process, ensuring engaging talks from recognised experts. We also have occasional speakers who are recommended to us independently because they are exceptional in their field.
When and where do the lectures/talks take place?
Ten times a year at 2pm on a Tuesday in the Upper Hall of The Corn Exchange, Cupar. We welcome guests who are currently asked to donate an entrance fee of £10. Free teas and coffees afterwards.
Is the lecture hall accessible?
Yes, there is disabled parking outside, ramp access, a lift and facilities for those with limited mobility.
What are the transport options?
• By car, there’s free parking a few minutes’ walk away in the Fluthers Car Park, Cupar. As a member if you tell us your address we can see if other members live nearby so that you can share lifts.
• By bus, visit the Stagecoach East Scotland website or use the Stagecoach Bus app.
• By train, Cupar Railway Station is just a 10-minute walk from the Corn Exchange.
What visits do you organise?
We arrange day trips to museums, galleries and places of unique special interest, such as historic houses and gardens. For example, in May 2026 we visited Balcarres, near Colinsburgh, as guests of The Earl and Countess of Crawford who guided us with style and warmth around their splendid home and gardens.
What are study days and days of special interest ?
Sessions with specialist speakers who give members the opportunity to explore a topic in greater detail.
Are visits and study days included in the membership fee?
They are optional extras and usually have a separate charge to cover costs. Members are given priority access.
Do you support local arts or heritage projects?
Yes, as a charity we give to local organisations to support their arts projects and initiatives.We also have opportunities for members to volunteer from time to time, whether with church recording or with other heritage projects.
I want to volunteer for The Arts Society Fife but I don’t necessarily want to be on a committee. Is this possible?
Absolutely. We will be delighted to help guide you in the right direction.
Is Church Recording part of The Arts Society?
Yes, Church Recording is an important volunteering arm of The Arts Society. Fife has an enthusiastic church recording group. They recently completed the record for Crail Parish Church of St Mary and are currently cataloguing St John the Evangelist, Pittenweem.
How does The Arts Society Fife link to The Arts Society nationally?
We are one of 350 member societies across the UK, Europe and New Zealand, each running its own programme of lectures and activities.
How do I update my contact details?
Please let the Membership Secretary know if your email, phone number or postal address changes.
Are you on social media?
We have a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/theartssocietyfife) and we are working to build pages on other platforms
I will be attending a talk as a member for the first time. What’s the procedure?
We’re delighted to welcome you! Please come to the Corn Exchange by 1:45pm and bring your membership card (or remember your membership number) which you will be asked for on the door.
And guests?
Your guests are warmly welcomed for a donation of £10.
What’s the format of the afternoon?
Each lecture lasts about an hour, with teas and coffees afterwards, when the Speaker is usually available to chat.
Is the Arts Society Fife a business or a charity?
The Arts Society Fife is the known-by name of Fife Decorative & Fine Arts Society, a charity registered in Scotland under SC039962.