Here at Arts Society we are committed to ensuring the benefits of art are felt far and wide – and this would not be possible without the work of our 351 Arts Societies. In our latest edition of The Arts Society Magazine, we gathered examples of recent great initiatives. Here are just five examples… 1. Spotted any art on your commute recently? East Surrey Area Arts Society has arranged for works by students to be displayed in seven different train stations in their region over the past three years. Not only has this given the young artists a chance to have their work seen by a wider audience, it has brought joy to commuters and railway staff. 2. Speaking of budding young artists, The Arts Society Gravesend gave their support to realise an art week at Ifield School, which is focused on supporting pupils with profound, severe and complex learning needs. In collaboration with arts charity Magic Lantern Educational Charity, the children had an opportunity to create all sorts of jungle and rainforest themed art activities. Among the works providing inspiration was Henri Rousseau’s ‘Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised)’ pictured here (credit: National Gallery London/Wikimedia Commons) 3. Helping to broaden access to art is also a mission for The Arts Society Westminster, who enabled the Holborn Community Association (HCA) to create ‘Art within’ – a series of creative art therapy workshops for those over 55 who are socially isolated and / or living with dementia. 4. The Arts Society Henley and The Arts Society Moor Park have also been helping Koestler Arts, the UK’s leading prison arts charity. Both societies have lent support for specific art awards that ensure inmates get recognition for their artworks. 5. And finally, time for one last song… The Arts Society Tyneside has been involved in a music project that culminated in a performance at Newcastle Cathedral, where 58 participants from marginalised backgrounds were encouraged to share their stories in song. To discover more about our work, head to the link in our bio to find out how to get involved by joining The Arts Society! (fb)