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Get stuck in and experience the very best of Dorset's art scene. Below are the cream of the cop businesses in Dorset to get your creative juices flowing.
Activate
Activate exists to promote, support and produce performing arts projects in our communities. Bringing world-class events to unexpected places, like town centres, village squares, beaches and hilltops. And we've been doing it for over 30 years.
In everything we do, we have just two rules: anything's possible, and everyone's invited.
Our international outdoor arts festival, Inside Out Dorset, takes place across the county every two years, showcasing outstanding UK and European artists and attracting tens of thousands of visitors to unique Dorset sites. DYD, our county-wide youth dance company, and The Remix, our inclusive youth performance company, provide high quality experiences for young people. We also support creatives at all stages of their careers to make the most inspiring work they can. This is at the heart of everything we do.
Activate acts as a producer to Lorna Rees and Working Boys Club and tours their work nationally and internationally.
Across 2024-2025, Activate are the executive creative producers of a £2m national project led by the National Landscapes Association: Nature Calling.
Don't miss our upcoming events: Street in the Park on May 11 2024, and Inside Out Dorset in September 2025. Sign up to Activate's newsletter by going to our website.
Activate
The Little Keep, Barrack Rd, Dorchester DT1 1SQ
activateperformingarts.org.uk
Dorset Opera
Dorset Opera Festival July world premiere
Join the partying at this year's Dorset Opera Festival as they celebrate their Golden Jubilee. The celebrations began last November when the company was nominated as a finalist in the prestigious International Opera Awards.
Dorset Opera's very first performance (Smetena's Bartered Bride at Sherborne School in 1974), was graced by the presence of none other than His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (now His Majesty, King Charles III).
Fifty years on - and now based at Bryanston, Blandford Forum - the festival presents two major works and an opera gala to what can be confidently billed as 'the social highlight of Dorset's summer'.
With a chorus of 60 and a full orchestra, Puccini's most famous opera, Madama Butterfly, tells the heartrending account of a young geisha from Nagasaki who marries an American naval officer for love, whereas he marries for convenience, intending to take an American bride on his return to the States.
The world premiere is a commission from supremely talented composer, Paul Carr. His music can be heard regularly on Classic FM. His new composition celebrates the 50th anniversary of Dorset Opera's Under the Greenwood Tree - Thomas Hardy's second novel - set to a libretto by Euan Tait. July 22-27.
Dorset Opera
07570 366186
Lyme Regis Museum
The Rotunda Gallery at the top of Lyme Regis Museum has been home for many years to an impressive series of solo and group exhibitions celebrating the work of Dorset-based artists. During Dorset Art Weeks 2024, running from 25 May until 20 July, the Gallery will be hosting the Lyme Abstract Group, bringing together nine abstract artists who live locally and create artwork both individually and collaboratively.
When approached to create this exhibition, the group decided to embark on a creative quest for inspiration from the Museum and its fascinating collections. Their work takes many forms, from acrylic painting and use of mixed media through to textiles and mono-printing. Working from sketches and photographs, these artists developed their own unique way of working, making the creative process an essential part of the development of their individual style.
This gives the exhibition the flavour of a contemporary gallery, with every piece very different from the next. The eclectic range of work on show is a true testament to the vibrant and exciting nature of contemporary art today and the creativity that the Museum can inspire. The artists whose work is on display are: Bob Andrews, Jayne Avery, Patricia Baybutt, Anna Bonavia, Claire Collard, Kath Gigg, Beverley Glock, Jenny Waldron, and Sue Hodgetts. The Museum is open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays 10am-4pm.
Lyme Regis Museum
https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/exhibitions/
01297 443370
Sculpture by the Lakes
Art is the projection of the imagination, free of reason or meaning or subject. It is beautiful and original and should be inspiring. My works have featured at several prestigious locations around the world: London's Hyde Park, King Charles's garden at Highgrove, America's National Museum of Wildlife Art, and Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters in Canada.
I work with the space the piece is designed for as well as its structure, considering every angle in which it will be viewed and, for my most recent piece, heard. My first sound sculpture is on display right now at FORM: The Sculpture Show, until June 1, at Sculpture by the Lakes.
I founded this 26-acre site with my wife, Monique, over a decade ago, and together we have transformed the location into a perfectly curated oasis of tranquillity and reflection. A seamless exploration where art meets nature; each sculpture telling a different story, evoking different feelings. My works have a common theme in terms of abstraction and form and expressions of beauty that appeals to the senses, and here at Sculpture by the Lakes, every sense is catered for.
For me, art is about the entire experience someone has when they encounter it, and I wanted to explore beyond the traditional visual aspect most often associated with sculpture.
Sculpture by the Lakes
Simon Gudgeon
Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU
07887 906818
Art Unlimited
Art Unlimited is a lively independent gallery founded by Howard Flanagan in 2022 to create a space for interesting, clever and unusual art in the heart of Bridport. Showcasing a colourful and carefully curated range of work from local, national, and international artists the scene is ever changing.
In 2022 the gallery launched their first Art Unlimited Open Art Competition.
This year’s competition with first prize of £5000 puts it in the Top 10 art competitions in UK.
All entries are online from 1st May to 31st July 2024 - see www.art-unlimited.co.uk for details.
New sponsors this year are RISE (Best Concept) and Daler Rowney for the Under 18’s class with £300 of artists materials for the first prize.
The judges are: Jussi Pylkkänen former Global President at Christies Auction House,
Lady Victoria Conran, Julie Montagu of Mapperton House, Pippa Walker, Lecturer on Degree Art, Weymouth College, Richard Vine, Head of Art, Woodroffe School.
Shortlisted works will be exhibited from 10th – 22nd September at The Town Mill, Lyme Regis.
The gallery also offers quality bespoke framing service and a Home Approval Service – for customers within 15 mile radius providing the opportunity to try a chosen piece at home before purchase.
Art Unlimited
https://www.art-unlimited.co.uk/
01308 426593
15 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NR
B-Side
“Breathtaking locations – inspirational festival; turns your brain inside out!”
Love new experiences, exploring spectacular landscapes and exciting new artworks? Make your way to the Isle of Portland for b-side festival 05 – 08 Sept - 4 days of art and events that shine the spotlight on this incredible island with brand new artworks you won’t have seen before.
Explore Portland with b-side as your guide, many free events and activities for all ages plus the b-side Fringe too! Prepare to have your senses tantalised, to connect with others around you, and discover incredible stories from across the globe and around the corner.
b-side
77 Fortuneswell, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1LY
01305 568044
Cove Gallery
Housed in a 17th-century Grade II-listed building in the heart of Weymouth’s historic South Harbour, Cove Gallery celebrates the work of local artists and makers, covering a full spectrum of original paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, bronze and jewellery.
Established 14 years ago, owners Geraldine and Paul Mooney took over the gallery in 2018 and have proudly nurtured an ‘art is for everybody’ ethos, with an extensive collection of pieces ranging from hand-made ceramic and infused glass coasters by Weymouth-based maker Krystyna Sargent (£18) to stunning original oil paintings by renowned local artist Paul Dolman (£950-£3,600). All works are available to buy online at www.covegallery.co.uk.
Geraldine says: “We feel incredibly privileged to be working in this special location and to be able to show in the gallery some of the most talented contemporary artists and makers from this area and beyond. Weymouth is certainly on the up, and we are working hard to create a fresh and interesting offer for all our customers, from Dorset and around the world.”
Inspired by the dramatic beauty of the Dorset coast and countryside, Spring 2024 will see the gallery hosting solo exhibitions of seascapes and landscapes by established favourites Jan Nelson and John Connolly, and during Dorset Art Weeks there will be a focus on emerging artists and makers from the Weymouth and Portland area.
Cove Gallery
9 Trinity St Weymouth DT4 8TW
01305767025 / 07899901934
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth are thrilled to be holding the first major retrospective of artworks by painter and lithographer, Albert de Belleroche, an early, but perhaps not well-known, member of the French Impressionist movement. A Painter in Paris: Albert de Belleroche (1864-1944) opening on May 3, 2024, explores the life and career of this forgotten, under-recognised, yet remarkable, artist.
Although born in Wales in 1864, Belleroche was a member of one of the most ancient French noble families. He grew up in France and immersed himself in the vibrant Parisian art scene, forging friendships with luminaries including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas and Auguste Renoir. He also formed a lifelong friendship with John Singer Sargent, with whom he shared studios throughout his career.
In collaboration with Liss Llewellyn Fine Art, this rich, new exhibition features more than 60 oils and lithographs by Belleroche, many of which have never been on public display. It explores his life and career, as well as his artistic journey and his relationships with his Impressionist contemporaries, who shaped his distinctive style and contributed to his lasting legacy.
This exhibition is included with your general admission ticket to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, an exotic Victorian house and art galleries, full of art, sculpture and travel souvenirs, overlooking the sea.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA
01202 128000
The Tivoli Theatre
The Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne started life as a Georgian Town House on West Borough.
In the mid ‘30’s, a local builder, a Mr Prince, felt that the town needed its own cinema theatre.
In 1936, the Tivoli was opened by converting the townhouse into the foyer and the garden into the auditorium.
There were no dressing rooms built and so The Tivoli served as the local cinema only.
In the late ‘70’s,The County Council had wanted to put a road through the land to improve traffic flow and so they purchased the property and the cinema closed in 1980.
It remained closed for almost fourteen years before it re-opened as The Tivoli Theatre. It had been brought back to life by a wonderful group of volunteers who were led by local businessman, Malcolm Angel. This project had originally been put forward by a local couple, Rob and Joan Thorne. They had approached Councillor Anne Roberts who invited malcolm to the meeting. To cut a long story short, 7000 signatures were presented to the Count Council and they in turn handed over the keys, made some demands on the upkeep of the building and were paid a rental fee.
The town council very kindly and generously offered to have the roof fixed and paid a substantial amount for that.
The Theatre re-opened on November 23rd, 1993, and has just celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Malcom managed the business along with a dedicated and terrific group of volunteers until he retired from it in 2002 having brought acts such as Cleo Laine Wishbone Ash and The Blues Band to the theatre.
Charlie North Lewis was appointed to ‘take it to the next level’.
Charlie has spent most of his working life in the entertainment industry. Born in the early 50’s, he grew up near Windsor and was shipped off to boarding school at an early age, first to Swanage and then to Milton Abbey. He’d always wanted to work in the business and was accepted into Drama School in the early 70’s.
He was offered a job at BAFTA which was where he saw the advert for Wimborne. He was hired in 2002 and is still there!
He has managed to increase the turnover by a considerable amount and has brought some very big names to the venue. Thanks to Ben Waters, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Imelda May have graced the stage. In addition to them, Robert Plant, Ginger Baker, Albert Lee, Chris Farlowe, Carl Palmer and many more including Lee Mack, Eddie Izzard, Al Murray, Jim Davidson, Jason Manford, Stacy Kent, Leslie Garrett and Francis Rossi to name but a few.
The list is endless and there is not enough room to mention so many more.
The Tivoli Theatre
19 West Borough, Wimborne BH21 1LT
https://www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk/
Sculpture by the Lakes Gallery
We're Madeleine Bertorelli and Kate Madden and we manage The Gallery at Sculpture by the Lakes - one of the largest exhibition spaces in the county. Between us, we have more than five decades of experience in art and consider ourselves very fortunate to have worked with some of the most talented people over our careers to date.
We love to bring people together to celebrate the great many works we showcase here at Sculpture by the Lakes - both inside the gallery and across the 26-acre park and gardens. Our current exhibition FORM is one that has proved increasingly popular, with artists offering their works from far and wide.
This sculpture show is a labour of love and one that we relish year after year. We have spent months working with artists from across the UK and beyond to deliver an exhibition that will exceed all expectations. Now in its fourth year, 2024 celebrates the works of more than 35 leading sculptors. We're really excited to be showcasing Simon Gudgeon's first ever sound sculpture and will also be unveiling Nicola Godden's Icarus Rising which stands at 5m tall enabling visitors to walk through its wings.
Sculpture by the Lakes Gallery
Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU
07887 906818
Dorchester Arts
Dorchester Arts is celebrating its fortieth anniversary serving Dorchester and Dorset! Our varied programme of more than 100 shows a year takes place across a number of venues: the historic Dorchester Corn Exchange with its recently modernised auditorium, the brand new 380-seat Hardye Theatre, historic Maumbury Rings (ideal for outdoor theatre), and St Mary’s Church and the Merritt Centre, Sherborne, for our ambitious classical music programme. We also celebrate and nurture local talent, most recently through our first ever Dorset scriptwriting festival.
Our fast-growing Creative Health programme supports those living with chronic conditions and mental health issues through the power of the arts, making a difference to the lives of many.
And we have an exciting future! The transformation of the Corn Exchange bar and foyer will start later this year and be complete in 2025. With modern facilities in a beautiful heritage setting, space for the visual arts, and a vibrant bar and cafe, our home venue will be transformed into a centre for creativity and the community.
We aim to fill the next forty years with captivating shows, innovative projects, and creative opportunities and hope our journey will continue to inspire and enrich for decades to come!
Dorchester Arts
High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HF
enquiries@dorchesterarts.org.uk
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/
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