Arts Society Chichester makes its Zoom debut

The society’s regular programme of lectures, given by experts in their fields, is usually held in the Assembly Rooms in North Street.

However, chairman Susie Jardine and other committee members were keen to ensure that their members’ didn’t miss out in the current health crisis and have set up the necessary infrastructure to present a lecture via Zoom.

Independent theatre producer and director Giles Ramsay will be the guest speaker with a talk entitled Oscar Wilde – Up Close on Tuesday, July 14 – which should have been the date of the society’s annual July lecture and summer party.

Susie said: “Giles is a well-respected and charismatic lecturer who will engage very well with the audience via this new delivery medium.

“It is so important that we stay connected to our members in these challenging times so we are trialling this lecture with the support and encouragement from The Arts Society headquarters in London.

“When our lecture programme resumes in October we will be using this technology until a time when we will be able to meet together in the Assembly Rooms. We have had a very positive response to this initiative from our members who have embraced the new terminology of Zoom, webinar chat etc. It will be good seeing old friends again and have the opportunity to chat briefly afterwards.

“Whilst this first lecture is open to members only, it is hoped that future virtual talks will be open to drop-in guests for a nominal fee, as are the physical lectures held in the Assembly Rooms.”

The Arts Society Chichester was formed over 40 years ago as part of the National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) which more recently operates under the name of The Arts Society. The Arts Society has over 90,000 members in the UK, mainland Europe and as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

“Membership of the Chichester Society offers the opportunity to attend lectures, visit sites of artistic and historic interest, and to attend study days – all run by professionals of the highest calibre with a desire to inspire those interested in discovering more about art, sculpture, architecture, silverware, pottery and more. Other activities also include Young Arts, Church Recording and Heritage volunteering.”

More information on http://theartssocietychichester.org.uk.

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