Contemporary Art Society (Australia)

The Contemporary Art Society is an Australian organisation formed in 1938 to promote non-representative forms of art. It has autonomous branches in each State of the Commonwealth.

The Contemporary Art Society was established on 13 July 1938, by George Bell, in protest at the perceived conservatism of the dominant Australian Academy of Art, with primary and paramount objectives being the fostering and promotion of contemporary art, to further the understanding of it, and to encourage and stimulate artists. George Bell was President from 1938 to 1940.

Its first exhibition was held in the National Gallery, Victoria, in June 1939, with work from all states. After disagreement over the direction of the Society, George Bell and 83 other members seceded in 1940, and John Reed was elected president. Membership of the Contemporary Art Society brought together some of Melbourne's young radical artists – Arthur Boyd, John Perceval, Harry de Hartog, Albert Tucker, Sidney Nolan, Vic O'Connor, Yosl Bergner and Noel Counihan. In 1947, after personal and political differences, C.A.S. suspended activities.

John Reed revived C.A.S. in 1954, and in 1956 established the Gallery of Contemporary Art (later the Museum of Modern Art and Design of Australia), as the C.A.S. head office. In 1955 the annual subscription of ten shillings was increased to one pound. In 1956, Georges Mora was elected President. Artists donated paintings towards an inaugural fundraising exhibition in 1957, and the Victorian Government made available a grant. In 1960 Edwin Tanner was elected vice-president, 1961 David Boyd as president and John Perceval as vice-president. In 1963 C.A.S. rented premises at 9 Collins Street, Melbourne, then 1 Fitzroy St, St Kilda in 1967.

From 1967 to 1987, presidents elected were: 1967 – Robert Grieve, 1972 – Heather Johnson, 1975 – Joan Gough, 1980 – Sue McDougall, 1982 – Louise Foletta, 1984 – Anthony Syndicas, 1985 – Marek Dobieki and 1987 – Jan Delaney. From 1972, members were able to rent exhibition space at Joan Gough's studio in Kew, and later her studio in South Yarra, until early 1989.

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