If you have a favourite museum or gallery why not find out if they have a Friends Organisation. These groups contribute greatly in fundraising to purchase paintings or items for museum collections and also offer talks and events where you can find out more about the collection or art in general.

Information about Friends Organisations can be found through:

The Museums Association - the largest association representing Museums and Galleries in Great Britain. www.museumsassociation.org

The Art Fund Since 1903, The Art Fund has been working with museums all around the UK to build the best collections in the world. An independent charity, The Art Fund has helped over 600 museums and galleries acquire more than 860,000 works of art of every kind, thanks to the support of its members. Find out more at www.artfund.org

Other organisations which support the arts through fundraising and membership include:

The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join.htm

Historic Houses Association Assists private owners to maintain historic houses and gardens for the benefit of the nation and for future generations. www.historic-houses-assn.org/friends.htm

English Heritage is concerned with every building and site in the country which contributes to our historic environment and our understanding of the past. www.english-heritage.org.uk