The Australian Decorative & Fine Arts Society (ADFAS)
Fresh off their 30th, ADFAS is as vibrant as ever.
You are invited by The Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (ADFAS) to be entertained and informed by some of the world leaders in the arts, culture and entertainment fields by attending the ADFAS annual evening lecture and presentation series. Expand your knowledge in an existing passion or discover a new one by attending talks in which specialists of the visual, decorative and performing arts share their stories and expertise, while enjoying the social atmosphere with complementary supper and local wines.
Guests at a special screening of Downton Abbey 
Celebrating ADFAS’s 30th anniversary 
Presentation of the ADFAS Pokolbin Scholarship and Encouragement Award to winners Lilian Taylor and Ryan Dixon. (Photo courtesy of Cessnock Advertiser)
ADFAS is a not-for-profit organisation that formed in Australia in 1989 to promote the arts across metropolitan and rural communities. There are two branches in the Hunter region, in Newcastle and Pokolbin. In addition to the lecture evenings, both branches offer a range of other activities such as excursions and special interest mornings. They also provide sponsorships and grants.
ADFAS Pokolbin supports a Young Arts Program through two local primary schools, Cessnock West and Cessnock East. In addition, it sponsors a Young Arts Scholarship and an Encouragement Award at Cessnock High and Mount View High for Year 12 Arts students who submit a scholarship application.
ADFAS Newcastle awards a number of grants and scholarships annually to encourage young artists in all disciplines and provides funds for individuals and groups, for local schools, the Newcastle Music Festival, the Young Peoples Theatre, Newcastle Youth Orchestra and more.
One of the most successful 2019 lectures was: From Downton to Gatsby – Jewellery and Fashion 1890-1929 where presenter Andrew Prince discussed creating the jewels featured in the television series Downton Abbey. This included a rare opportunity for the audience to see some of these incredible pieces in person and even have fun trying them on. You can attend each lecture/ presentation individually or save by becoming a member.
There is an exciting 2020 line-up including: PHRASES AND SAYINGS: The Etymology of the City of London. This is an exploration of historical etymology, often traceable to the City of London. Even if you have to ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ and it’s ‘raining cats and dogs’ you’d be ‘barking mad’ to miss this lecture. PACKING UP THE NATION: The gripping and sometimes hilarious story of how a band of heroic curators and eccentric custodians saved Britain’s national heritage during its Darkest Hour.
For further information on lectures, newsletters, other activities, to become a member or be a guest, visit adfasnewcastle.org.au or adfaspokolbin.org.au or call Judy Wotton 0404 833 773 or Cathy Tate 0411 323 866.
Find out more about local community initiatives in the Autumn issue of Hunter&Coastal Lifestyle Magazine.
