The objects of the CIO are: (1)the fostering, promotion and increase amongst the general public of the knowledge and appreciation of art by, in particular, the provision of: (a) education (of all types and at all levels) in the fields of the visual, creative and applied arts; (b) public exhibitions of art including but not limited to painting, sculpture and ceramic arts; (c) studios, galleries and other places where art may be practised, created or exhibited; and (d) publications. (2) for the public benefit to promote and encourage high standards in the visual, creative and applied arts including, but not limited to: (a) among young people under the age of 21 in full time education within, but not limited to, Folkestone and the surrounding district, in such ways as the charity trustees think fit, including but not limited to the award of grants, prizes, scholarships, bursaries and maintenance allowances. (b) among individuals, institutions and other organisations within, but not limited to, Folkestone and the surrounding district through the sharing of knowledge and expertise, technical and consultancy advice and support and such other forms of assistance as the charity trustees think fit including opportunities to create, exhibit and sell art.
The Folkestone Art Society has been running art exhibitions in and around Folkestone since 1928. It also organises workshops and demonstrations on subjects related to the visual arts, publishes an annual art review and runs the FAS Gloria Gordon Award for Young Artists Sketch Books working with schools and colleges within Folkestone and the surrounding district