Art events in Dorset
Are you looking to find the best arts events in Dorset?
Dorset is a hotbed of creativity and expression and hosts a vibrant programme of productions in theatre, music, comedy, dance and film alongside an exciting mix of exhibitions and visual arts.
Dorset is also proud to promote a well supported network of Art Centres and organisations that promotes cultural development in the county.
Enjoy a live performance
The atmosphere of watching a play or live music in a village hall environment is much more intimate and engaging than in a large theatre and it stimulates a special connection between the performers and the audience that you don’t get elsewhere.
Wherever you are based in Dorset, you’ll have the opportunity to see some amazing productions from professional touring companies.
Be astounded at the exquisite talents of ballet dancers as they pirouette before your eyes or marvel at one-man plays; feel your spirit soar as your venue becomes filled with the sounds of samba and giggle until your sides split at a local comedy night.
Extraordinary festivals
Each year Dorset wows the crowds with some of the zaniest events around.
Be surprised, moved, entertained or contemplative, or maybe them all, as you make your way round Dorset as part of the Inside Out Festival.
From circus acts in Gillingham, sculpture at Hengistbury Head, a big wild sleepout with the RSPB and an outdoor performance to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, these are extraordinary events in extraordinary places.
Feast your eyes
As well as performance, Dorset has a varied programme of touring visual art exhibitions which circulate to rural galleries and other venues throughout the area.
You can visit contemporary craft shows, thematic exhibitions and displays from both national and regional artists.
Find out more
For a more comprehensive view of all the great arts events going on in Dorset, visit:
Highlightedart events
Events at Durlston Country Park:Durlston Past: Exhibition
Durlston Past: Exhibition Explore the fascinating 20th Century history of Durlston and the ‘Durlston Pleasure Grounds’. FREE In the Fine Foundation Gallery.
Portraits of Golden Cap Exhibition
Local artist Edward Hall draws his inspiration from the dramatic coastal and inland landscapes of Dorset's Jurassic Coast. His latest exhibition, 'Portraits of Golden Cap', explores the...
Telling Tales: The Story of Victorian Narrative Art
Narrative Art was the reality television of the Victorian era. While the artistic elite rejected it, the general public loved to see soap opera drama on the gallery walls. Its accessible and...
Snowdrops in Art
Annual open exhibition of snowdrop related art coinciding with Shaftesbury's Snowdrop Festival. A great range of art in many styles and mediums from painting and photography to ceramics and...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Kids Drawing Workshops
1. Kids Christmas Drawing Workshop 10.30am-12pm Join artist Mark Page in the Learning Centre for a workshop learning to draw robins, reindeer and all things Christmassy! Materials included. Ages...
Drawn
From small sketches and preparatory drawings to large scale works of art, we explore the language of the line.
Sherborne Digby Hall Monthly Market
Monthly market of Antiques, Arts ,Crafts, Food & more . Cafe, Free entry, Parking, Toilets. Up to 70 stalls, Held the 1st Saturday of every month 10am to 3pm, March until December. Located in...
A Celebration of Sky: Cloudscape Lino Prints
An exhibition of cloudscape lino prints by printmaker Steve Manning. Working out of his attic studio with commanding views of sky and clouds, Steve is drawn to liminal places where sky and water merge...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Draw like a Pro Workshop!
Draw like a Pro Workshop! 10.30am-12pm Join artist Mark Page to learn to draw wildlife. Beginners and intermediate. Booking required. £22.
Events at Durlston Country Park:Wareham Whalers Concert : Shanties in the Age of Sail
Wareham Whalers Concert : Shanties in the Age of Sail In 1928, an American, James Madison Carpenter came to England to collect shanties in order to complete his PhD for Harvard University.. Wareham...