The Atlantian Arts & Sciences Handbook

Introduction

Welcome to the Office of the Minister of Arts and Sciences (MoAS). The MoAS fills many roles. The holder of this office provides the link between beginner artisans and scientists of all levels and the people who can assist them. The MoAS also advocates for both individual and branch recognition.

The success of a given MoAS relies upon branch activity. The more engaged the MoAS is within the local branch, the more successful and enjoyable the arts and sciences will be for everyone. Also, familiarity with branch members will provide individuals willing to assist the MoAS office holder.

About This Handbook

This document will serve as a handbook and reference guide to the requirements and responsibilities of the MoAS. It will also provide guidance for a beginning MoAS. Further information is available in the documents on Kingdom Law and Policy.

Contributors

This handbook was originally compiled by Lady Deirdre of Boolteens, with assistance and input from Mistress Enid nicEoin, Mistress Celynen of Stow-on-the-Wold, Lady Tangwystl ferch Dafydd, Mistress Dierdre O’Siodhachain, and Lady Elisabeth MacAlester of Kintyre.

• The January 1998 Edition was edited by Mistress Celynen of Stow-on-the-Wold, and Karen Larsdatter.
• The October 1998 Edition was edited by Baroness Genevieve d’Aquitaine and Lady Karen Larsdatter.
• The March 2000 Edition was edited by Baroness Genevieve d’Aquitaine and Lady Muireann ni Riordain.
• The December 2005 Edition was edited by Karen Larsdatter.
• The 2019 Edition was edited by Lady Gwenhwyfar Weale with contributions by Lady Marion le Red, Lady Ellisif Gudnadottir, Dame Adriana la Bretone, Mistress Marris Ghjis, Lady Caelainn Grant, Mesternö Bessenyei Rozsa, and Baroness Ysabeau Gwalchafed.
• The 2021 Edition was reviewed and edited by Dame Deirdre O’Siodhachain, Master Hagar the Black, Baroness Olwen de Montgomery, Mistress Lorelei Greenleafe, Lady Marta de Lyon.

The MoAs Badge

Keep the Light of Knowledge Alive

Keeping the light of knowledge alive is what the MoAS is all about. In order to be more easily recognized as a minister of the arts and sciences, the MoAS should wear and display the badge of the office.

To quote Baron Corun MacAnndra’s description of what the MoAS badge means, “It is the light of knowledge that all those involved in the Arts and Sciences keep alight for all to see.” However, it has come to symbolize more than that. As officers, each MoAS at every level undertakes the obligation to keep this flame lit. The badge then becomes the burning fire of passion for those who wish to become versed in some aspect of the arts and sciences. It is the light on the desk by which research material is read. It is the cook fire and the flames of the furnace in which hot metal is forged to strengthen the fighters so they might display prowess on the field. It is the hearth fire that warms during the winter months and dispels the darkness of ignorance. It is the light in the window of the Kingdom of Atlantia that acts as a beacon to all Atlantia’s populace.

It only takes one candle to light the way for others and thereby gloriously brighten Atlantia.

Display the Badge

The purpose of heraldic badges are to give sight recognition from a distance. The MoAS should be proud of the badge of the office and should not be afraid to wear it when performing the duties of the MoAS. It can be used on a banner to mark arts and sciences activities. It can also be added to a baldric or tabard to signify that the MoAS is on duty at an event.

The blazon for the badge is Azure, a candle enflamed within an arch stooped argent.

Handbook Audience

Please note that this handbook is intended for local MoAS who are directly involved with supporting A&S activities. Deputies of the KMoAS should be familiar with the handbook’s contents. However, Deputies’ duties and responsibilities are different. There is no set roster of Deputies to the KMoAS with the exception of the Chancellor of the University of Atlantia.

The KMoAS determines when a Deputy is needed for a specific purpose. Some Deputies are of long standing like those for Contests; Training; and the Northern and Southern Regions. Others are appointed to support discipline specific activities like Agriculture and Forestry or Performing Arts. Some perform other administrative functions like Web Minister or Editor of The Oak.