Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum (HVAF) is the voluntary organisation for everyone in the visual and applied arts in Hertfordshire. It was launched in 1990 as part of Hertfordshire County Council's Arts Development Strategy for Hertfordshire. The aim was to give artists a voice within the county, highlight opportunities and encourage them to establish professional structures and contacts.
An early initiative was HVAF’s annual Open Studios event. Starting with only 17 studios in 1991, it has become one of the county's popular late summer events. There are now at least 200 artists involved each year throughout Hertfordshire.