Work and Impact
From its inception in 2006, Dorset Visual Arts has always been committed to supporting and developing creative talent, through bursaries, showcase opportunities, and projects including publications such as 50 Wessex Artists, 50 Dorset Makers and Drawing on Dorset.
For 2026, there are further bursaries, commissions and community work alongside developing public programmes. Dorset Art Weeks goes from strength to strength thanks to the commitment of talented creatives, brilliant supporters and those curious enough to seek out cultural adventures.
2026
Alongside the return of Dorset Art Weeks, DVA is focussed on growing opportunities for artists thanks to support from National Lottery Players. Working with Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, a new Artist Development Programme provides a series of workshop and research sessions, resources, and advice. In a mainly-rural county, with dispersed individuals and communities, support and networking opportunities like these are vital for artists. There’s also a focus on growing support for emerging talent, alongside working with the county’s colleges to encourage career progression in the cultural sector.
DVAtions
DVAtions is DVA’s curated project programme.
The programme started in spring 2025 with Biophilia, a touring exhibition between south west hospitals, enhancing clinical environments and which explored the relationship between creativity, nature and wellbeing.
In May, In Our Nature featured works by DVA Members in the stunning setting of the Fine Foundation Gallery, near Swanage, and in partnership with Durlston Country Park.
In the autumn, Droves & Downs awarded bursaries to four artists to explore the hidden stories of Cranborne Chase. The project was delivered in partnership with Cranborne Chase National Landscape and supported by Dorset Council Community and Culture funding. After showing at Shaftesbury Arts Centre in November 2025, the project moved to The Museum of East Dorset in spring 2026, featuring in Dorset Art Weeks (venue 69) and also as part of Wimborne Town of Culture.
Finally, 2025 ended with The Dorset Open, a major new Open Call opportunity for south west artists which showed at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.
Rural Partnerships
All of this is underpinned by DVA’s work with a range of cultural partners, leading to stronger cross-sector collaboration and feeding into the county’s cultural strategy. The aim of this is to deliver increasingly ambitious cultural projects and to create more diverse, dynamic experiences, stimulating creative progression and providing more engaging experiences for audiences. This can be seen in Dorset Art Weeks 2026, with many new venues and spaces taking part.
Impact
Our projects are enjoyed by 1000's of visitors and we work across the whole of Dorset including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch