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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

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

Fossils, Fish and Feathers Oct 18

Fossils, Fish and Feathers

Fossils, Fish and Feathers is the title of the up-coming watercolour exhibition of recent work by Lyme Bay Artist Trisha Hayman, which will be on show at the Rotunda Gallery of the Lyme Regis Museum...

Pathways to the Past Oct 18

Pathways to the Past

A celebration of the People's Park. By the Park's people. Explore Poole Park using your phone. Follow the audio trail to discover hidden sounds Hear how people have had fun in the park....

Scapes and Sculpture Oct 18

Scapes and Sculpture

Anne Townsend's studio is situated in east Devon's Axe Valley, which has given her the space to lose herself in large expressive pieces of work, both as a painter and a sculptor. Her art...

The Sky Is The Limit Oct 23

The Sky Is The Limit

Christine Allison's latest body of work was inspired by time spent in her garden studio. She says: " The sky inspires my drawings. My drawings inform my paintings. The sky marks my soul as I...

Where the Mist Rises Oct 27

Where the Mist Rises

This showcase of work by Lyme Regis-based artist Annie Ward, entitled Where the Mist Rises, will be running at the Rotunda Gallery of the Lyme Regis Museum from 27 October until 5 December. Based on...

Pumpkin Carving Oct 30

Pumpkin Carving

oin Forest Arts and fashion yourself a ghoulish, grimacing pumpkin lantern to take home and scare the baddies away! What's included? Hollowed out Pumpkin, tools and decoration Booking essential....

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