Golden year for Stratford Arts Society
To mark the Golden Jubilee of the Arts Society, local branch STRADFAS (Stratford Arts Society) is hosting a lecture and ‘meet and greet’... literally on the run!
On Thursday, 20th September, there will be two opportunities to hear guest speaker Alexandra Epps’ lecture As Good As Gold — at the Stratford PlayHouse (formerly ArtsHouse) at 10.45am and 1.30pm. The lecture explores the story of the precious metal and the significance and symbolism of gold within the history of art. Alexandra is an Official Guide and Lecturer at Tate Modern, Tate Britain and Guildhall Art Gallery.
Arts Society Chief Executive, Florian Schweizer, is coming to Stratford to attend the lecture, and as a highlight to the special day, he will undertake a ten kilometre run round the Shakespeare Houses and Holy Trinity Church, stopping to meet and admire the work of the Arts Society Heritage Volunteers. He will speak briefly at the start of the afternoon lecture before the Mayor of Stratford, John Bicknell, starts him off on his run at 1.30pm.
Florian is undertaking 50 such runs at local Arts Societies around the country to raise awareness of the work of the Arts Society and to raise funds for grants to develop the skills in arts and heritage, particularly of young people.
The Arts Society connects 385 societies and 90,000 members in ten countries worldwide. With about 550 members, STRADFAS is one of the largest organisations within the UK Arts Societies’ group and one of the largest voluntary societies in Stratford. The group’s volunteers help to conserve and restore Stratford’s heritage; their Church Recorders research and document local churches; they also encourage and fund arts projects for young people and the community; while talks and special interest days are given by leading experts with specialist knowledge of the arts.
