The mission of the National Arts Club is to stimulate, foster and promote public interest in the arts, as well as educate the American people in the fine arts.The National Arts Club was founded in 1898 by author and poet Charles De Kay, the literary and art critic for The New York Times. He together with a group of distinguished artists and patrons conceived of a gathering place to welcome artists of all genres as well as art lovers and patrons. Today, The National Arts Club continues to host public events honoring exemplary leaders in their chosen fields of art as well as exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, lectures and readings. Feature programs focus on visual arts, literature, film, architecture, fashion, photography and music.