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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

Beginners Creative Clay Workshop Apr 27

Beginners Creative Clay Workshop

Be inspired by nature, in nature! During this wonderful workshop, under expert tuition, you will be inspired by your natural surroundings in the stunning walled garden at Careys to make a unique bug...

Celebration Flowers: Centre Pieces and Posies Apr 27

Celebration Flowers: Centre Pieces and Posies

During this course you will receive both group and individual support in order to help you learn more about making beautiful flower centrepieces and posies that will celebrate any special occasion....

Earth Sea and Sky Art Exhibition Apr 27

Earth Sea and Sky Art Exhibition

Four Local Artists, Stephanie Mogg, Caroline Lewis, Jenny Penney and Wendy Hermelin are delighted to exhibit their multi disciplinary collection of art works. This extraordinary mix of talents makes a...

The Cabarats May 03

The Cabarats

FREE ENTRY The Cabarats bring a new musical experience to the global underground, combining traditional Eastern European and Middle Eastern sounds with lively reggae and ska. Using a collection of...

Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop May 04

Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop

Join us for a hands-on experience that will spark your creativity and leave you with a stunning pure silver pendant that you made yourself! You will learn how to shape, mold, texture, fire and finish...

Plan Your Visit

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Read our guest blogs

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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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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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Immersive Events in Dorset this Summer

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Our guest blog writer Jasmine O’Hare, from the Arts Development Company, shares her top immersive experiences this summer. Dorset is home to so many incredible events and festivals during the...

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