About Us

The Artists Society of Canberra (ASOC) aims to encourage practice in and appreciation of the visual arts in Canberra and the surrounding region. We take pride in being a welcoming and supportive creative community for visual arts and artists. Professional and non-professional artists alike are welcome, and we have members at all levels of development in their arts practice. As well as honouring our tradition as the region’s oldest arts society, ASOC is open to new media and approaches.

Our quality classes (workshops and courses) and the annual members exhibition are highlights of our program. Regular untutored workgroups offer members opportunities to connect with other artists with similar interests and to learn from each other. Many of our members take part in small group or solo exhibitions throughout the year. Members also have opportunities to meet at events in our studio, where we often have a speaker or demonstration, and through other social activities such as visits to galleries, arts cinema, and plein air sketching and painting excursions. Members are kept up-to-date on ASOC matters and arts events in the region via our newsletter and email and through our social media. We offer both local and distant memberships. Members of the general public are welcome at our exhibitions, our tutored classes and some other events.

Our Society is run almost entirely by volunteers. Their contributions are very much appreciated, and volunteering is an excellent way to stay connected with our community.

ASOC is a registered charity and a not-for-profit organization, with the Charitable Purpose of advancing culture by pursuing the Object of our Constitution. ASOC does not receive ongoing public funding, and we are grateful for the support of our sponsors, some of whom offer generous discounts to members.

We acknowledge that the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet and practise and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.