Digswell Arts Trust (DAT) is a long-established charity with a proud history of supporting emerging artists and craft practitioners. Based in Hertfordshire, we provide affordable studio space, professional development opportunities, and platforms for artists to engage with the wider community. Our mission is to nurture creative talent and make the arts accessible to all.
Founded in 1957, Digswell Arts has been a vital part of the UK’s artistic landscape for nearly seven decades, offering artists the space and support they need to develop their practice. Today, we continue this tradition by fostering a vibrant community of makers and artists who contribute to the cultural life of the region and beyond.
The Opportunity
We are seeking to appoint a new trustee with experience in funding and fundraising to strengthen our Board. This is an exciting time to join DAT as we plan the next phase of our development.
What Makes a Good Trustee?
Being a trustee is a rewarding opportunity to contribute your skills and passion to a cause you care about. Good trustees bring a mix of strategic thinking, collaborative spirit, and commitment to the organisation’s mission. They ask thoughtful questions, support executive teams, and help guide long-term planning while ensuring the charity remains true to its values and operates effectively.
This Role is Inclusive
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You do not need to have served as a trustee for an arts charity before—we value fresh perspectives and are committed to building a board that reflects the communities we serve. However, experience with funding, whether in the cultural, charitable, or other sectors, would be particularly valuable.
As a Trustee You Will:
- Contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the charity
- Support the Trust in identifying and developing new funding opportunities
- Champion our mission to promote the arts and support artists at all stages of their practice
We Are Looking for Someone With:
- Enthusiasm and commitment to the arts
- Experience and working knowledge of funding in the cultural, charitable, or related sectors
- Energy and ideas to help drive the Trust forward
- A collaborative approach and willingness to learn
Trustees meet regularly and play an active role in the life of the Trust. This is a voluntary position, but offers the opportunity to make a real difference to artists and communities in Hertfordshire.
For More Information
To arrange an informal conversation or to express your interest, please contact:
info@digswellarts.org
History of Digswell Arts
Founded in 1957 by Henry Morris (1889-1961), the educationalist and supporter of the arts, Digswell Arts is an arts charity and studio provider based in Hertfordshire.
Since it creation, The Digswell Arts Trust has supported over 250+ emerging artists in the early stages of their careers through the provision of studio and art facilities. Today Digswell Arts is based at The Forge in Welwyn Garden City, and has grown from a modest workshop into a flourishing multi-artist hub, nurturing creativity in a wide range of media and is a space for creative collaboration.
Digswell Arts has a long tradition of artists working in the community, supporting Morris’s vision and belief that art is for the people and artists are vital for the wellbeing of society. Digswell Art Fellows and Print Members assist the Trust in achieving its aims and objectives; the promotion and application of the arts and encouraging and supporting arts education in the community.
Alongside working on their own creative practice, Digswell Arts Fellows and Print Members are encouraged to showcase their work in the annual Digswell Arts Open Studios, a long tradition and opportunity for Digswell Arts to interact and engage with the local community.
Notable alumni of Digswell Arts include: ceramicists Hans Coper and Elizabeth Fritsch; painters Michael Andrews RA and printer John Brunsdon; sculptors John W.Mills, James Butler RA, Ralph Brown RA, Permindar Kaur and Wil Cruickshank; glass artists Keith New and Mike David alongside textile weavers Mary Farmer and Peter Collingwood and musician Lol Coxhill.
Learn more about our work at digswellarts.org
History of Digswell Arts Trust since 1957
Images courtesy of the artist’s and Digswell Arts Trust © the artists.
Digswell Art Trust, The Forge, Hertford Road, Digswell, Herts. AL6 0BU
Registered Charity No. 1150915, Company Limited by Guarantee
Artist Credits
Sue Jarman
Parklife, 2025. Lithograph
Katy Cook
‘Blanket’, 2024. Photo: Anna Shilonosova (instagram @shilonos.photo)
Molly Hagan
‘Berry Burst’, 2024. Paper Cut-out
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. – Aristotle
