The Contemporary Art Society
The Contemporary Art Society is a national charity that encourages an appreciation and understanding of contemporary art in the UK. With the help of our members and supporters we raise funds to purchase works by new artists which we give to museums and public galleries across the UK where they are enjoyed by a national audience now and for the future.
Activities & Mission
The Contemporary Art Society is a national charity that encourages an appreciation and understanding of contemporary art in the UK. With the help of our members and supporters we raise funds to purchase works by new artists which we give to museums and public galleries across the UK where they are enjoyed by a national audience now and for the future.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 33% of UK Charity and VCS support charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 520). How is this calculated?
Higher than 33% of UK Charity and VCS support charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 28% of UK Charity and VCS support charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £2,109,196 | £1,901,564 | £1,698,822 | £2,253,657 | £770,941 | 17 / 0 |
| 2024 | £1,490,339 | £1,535,731 | £1,351,240 | £2,031,139 | £637,072 | 16 / 0 |
| 2023 | £1,764,456 | £1,692,940 | £1,565,560 | £2,030,397 | £1,944,834 | 16 / 0 |
| 2022 | £1,539,089 | £1,386,473 | £1,222,140 | £1,973,521 | £571,985 | 16 / 0 |
| 2021 | £1,561,199 | £1,484,697 | £1,309,732 | £1,807,300 | £468,668 | 16 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Contemporary Art Society
What does The Contemporary Art Society do?
The Contemporary Art Society is a national charity that encourages an appreciation and understanding of contemporary art in the UK. With the help of our members and supporters we raise funds to purchase works by new artists which we give to museums and public galleries across the UK where they are enjoyed by a national audience now and for the future.
How much income did The Contemporary Art Society report in 2025?
The Contemporary Art Society reported total income of £2.11m and reported expenditure of £1.90m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Contemporary Art Society?
The Contemporary Art Society has a program ratio of 80.5%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 33% of UK Charity and VCS support charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 520 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Contemporary Art Society registered as a charity?
The Contemporary Art Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 22 September 1962 as charity number 208178. It has been registered for 64 years.
Who runs The Contemporary Art Society?
The Contemporary Art Society is governed by a board of 18 trustees. The chair of trustees is Robert Suss. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Contemporary Art Society operate?
The Contemporary Art Society operates across 2 areas: Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Is The Contemporary Art Society a registered charity?
Yes — The Contemporary Art Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 208178.
Details
59 CENTRAL STREET
LONDON
EC1V 3AF
Registry Information
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Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated