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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

Be surprised, moved, entertained or contemplative, or maybe them all, as you make your way round Dorset as part of the Inside Out Festival.

Taking place every other year, Inside Out Dorset wows the crowds with some of the zaniest events around.

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

The Art of Travel Exhibition Jan 26

The Art of Travel Exhibition

An exploration of pictures taken on recent trips to Central and Southeastern Asia by Dorset-based photographer Chris Hilton, entitled The Art of Travel. Chris's approach to the art of travel, as...

Poole Museum presents 'Men of Iron' Exhibition Jan 28

Poole Museum presents 'Men of Iron' Exhibition

Poole Museum's latest exhibition, which is being hosted at Lighthouse, Poole, honours the faces, stories and craftsmanship of Poole's Foundry workers, 40 years on from its closure. This...

All Access AUB: World In Motion Jan 29

All Access AUB: World In Motion

Now in its fourth year, the All Access AUB programme welcomed a group of Year 12 students over the summer to give them a taste of what it's like to be a student and study a creative course at AUB....

Petrushka Jan 29

Petrushka

On Wednesday 29 January, come and see the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra perform Petrushka at the Lighthouse. We are also thrilled to be joined by the fantastic pianist Elisabeth Brauß, who is...

African Rhapsodies Feb 08

African Rhapsodies

Nottingham based Senegalese composer and kora player Seckou Keita is proud to present African Rhapsodies: an epic project created in collaboration with Italian composer and musician Davide Mantovani....

Cello Elegy Feb 12

Cello Elegy

Experience a celebration of the Cello with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and one of the leading cellists of her generation: Laura van der Heijden. On Wednesday 12 February the BSO return to the...

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Read our guest blogs

Rambling Rose Florists

Discover Beaminster: A Hidden Gem of Dorset

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Jasmine O’Hare and photographer Jayne Jackson share their new favourite spot in Dorset. Nestled in a beautiful natural valley and surrounded by rolling hills is Beaminster, a charming town...

Dorchester Literary Festival

Dorset Book Festivals

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Dorset has inspired a wealth of writers throughout history, and many have called it home. It’s only fitting that this county has an abundance of literary festivals throughout the year....

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Autumn & Winter in Dorchester

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This month, our guest blog writer Jasmine from the Arts Development Company shares her favourite place to visit in Dorchester during the Autumn and Winter months. This beautiful, historic market town...

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