AREA EVENTS

Purpose

The purpose of Area events such Study Days, Art History courses or outings is to provide an educational offer to the general public (including Society Members). Area events should demonstrate the best the Directory of Lecturers has to offer to the widest possible audience. They are the ‘shop window’ to invite non-members to sample The Arts Society experience, signposting them to the Societies in the Area when they can get the full programme and benefits from local Societies. Local Societies are also supported by Area Events if they do not hold their own Study Days.

• Area events should always be planned in pursuance of the charitable activities of and to promote The Arts Society and its local Societies, not with the sole aim of raising funds.

• Areas are encouraged to consider new Lecturers for their programmes and to be bold and brave in their choices.

• Areas are encouraged to cover a wide range of topics and themes in their events.

• Within reason, ACEs might take programming ‘risks’ and run events that are not guaranteed to sell out but may give The Arts Society a positive, accessible image. This could be to target audiences in a particular geographic area, or to appeal to a specific target audience.

• Area Events should be run with a break even target for all events across one financial year. In the case of repeated surpluses from Area events The Arts Society will review the pricing structure, as the price point might need to be adjusted. Surpluses should be the exception, not the rule. Advice on pricing is always available.

• Area Events should be accessible in every possible aspect: accessible venues should be used; online booking should be available for every Area Event, where possible using

• Eventbrite account or similar online booking tool; promotion should be to the widest possible audiences; topics and themes should be inclusive and appeal to people from a wide range of backgrounds; Affordable (potentially with some discounted) tickets.

Usually, Area events should be supported by the Area Support Team, under the leadership of the ACE (or equivalent).

Income and expenditure for any Area events will be collected / paid by the Area Treasurer (or equivalent). Please see the Area Finance section in this Handbook.