The National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) was founded in 1968 to promote and advance aesthetic education, to cultivate the appreciation and study of the decorative and fine arts and by giving aid to the conservation of our national artistic heritage. Newmarket Decorative and Fine Arts Society has been a member society of NADFAS since its foundation in 1976.

On 17 May 2017, following a major rebranding exercise, The Arts Society replaced NADFAS as our operating name. After 50 years, we needed to evolve to keep up with changing times in order to reach out to more people in more places.

Our society’s year runs from October to the following July with nine lectures. These are held on the first Monday of the month except when a bank holiday postpones the lecture to the following week. These informal occasions open with an illustrated lecture followed by tea and biscuits.

Days of Special Interest also take place in which subjects are studied in greater depth. Our speakers, who are all experts in their specialist fields, are taken from a directory maintained by The Arts Society.

When possible, we organise outings and tours to historical and cultural venues.

The Newmarket Arts Society also works towards supporting the Young Arts, Church Recording and Heritage Volunteering. We are a friendly group with a membership of 130.

We welcome new members subject to a waiting list and guests may join us for individual lectures, a small contribution will be collected at the door. PLEASE contact our Membership Secretary to check availability before you attend as our hall has limited capacity.