About
Our History
From humble beginnings exhibiting at the local craft shop. In 2009, a small group of passionate artists established a dedicated society to foster and celebrate the arts.
The Forbes Arts Society (FAS) became an incorporated association in 2011 and has since grown to now comprise of over 100 members from all across New South Wales.
For over a decade, FAS has been providing an important cultural service to the Forbes Shire community and continues to be a catalyst for enriching the cultural dimension of the wider region.
FAS is now at a pivotal moment of evolution as the business delivery model is transformed to achieve greater efficiencies and long-term sustainability for the society, all while maintaining its community values.
Our Vision
To shape and support a culture of creativity through a thriving and dynamic regional arts sector, to enrich the lives of residents and visitors to the Forbes Shire and surrounding region.
Our Objectives
The Forbes Arts Society is dedicated to:
-
Generating engaging opportunities for locals and visitors to create, share and experience art and culture.
-
Fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for creative and cultural expression.
-
Building a shared community identity through arts and culture.
-
Establishing a successful and sustainable business model by embracing innovative practices that lead to increased participation in the arts.
-
Grow the Forbes Shire’s reputation as a vibrant place to live, work, visit and invest through the delivery of purposeful art and cultural initiatives and infrastructure that diversifies our regional economy and drives visitation.
Our Guiding Principles
The following principles underpin our programs, projects and operations:
-
Cultivate a positive visitor experience.
-
Imbed accessibility, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability in all that we do.
-
Foster respect for all those who visit and work with us.
-
Explore new ways of working and welcome different points of view.
-
Commit our highest level of care and attention in the acquisition, handling and presentation of art.
-
Work within a self-sustaining business mode.
-
Respect for local Aboriginal culture.
Our Board
The Forbes Arts Society is guided by passionate, skilled locals.
President: Helen Mallick
Vice President: vacant
Secretary: Karen Ritchie
Treasurer: Stuart Thomas
Ordinary Member: Helen Hurley
Ordinary Member: Keith Mullette
Ordinary Member: Warwick Rolfe
Ordinary Member: Kim Muffet
Ex-Officio Member: Emily Wilson
Our Committees
ArtsWeb Committee
A voluntary committee to represent the practising artists of the Forbes Arts Society, including painters, potters, photographers, sculptors and woodworkers. ArtsWeb also coordinate the weekly Painting Group at Northside Chapel.
Grazing Down the Lachlan Committee
A voluntary committee dedicated to raising significant funds for the Forbes Arts Society through the annual Grazing Down the Lachlan event.
Projects Committee
A voluntary project management committee dedicated to delivering grant funded infrastructure projects.
Gallery Forbes Committee
A voluntary advisory committee dedicated to the oversight and development of products, services and activities delivered at Gallery Forbes.