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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

Artists of the Jurassic Coast Sep 13

Artists of the Jurassic Coast

Artists of the Jurassic Coast 2024 6th - 29th September Open daily 10.30 - 4.30. September heralds the return of Artists of the Jurassic Coast Exhibition, now in its 15th year at the fabulous Eype...

Snapshot Graduate Art Shows Sep 13

Snapshot Graduate Art Shows

Postgraduate students delve deeply into their subjects, frequently challenging conventions, and provoking thought and debate. The MA and MRes Shows celebrate this enquiry, providing a platform for new...

Undiscovered Dorset Sep 13

Undiscovered Dorset

Exhibition of photographs of Landscapes, wildlife including Mammals, Birds and Invertebrates Taken in Dorset many in my local area of Child Okeford.

The Really Wild Show Sep 17

The Really Wild Show

From 17 September until 10 November, local watercolour artist Trisha Hayman will be holding her latest exhibition, entitled The Really Wild Show, at Lyme Regis Museum's Rotunda Gallery. Trisha...

Dvořák Eight Sep 18

Dvořák Eight

Dvořák's Eighth Symphony was, as he explained, meant to be "different from the other symphonies, with individual thoughts worked out in a new way." The music is steeped in the...

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