Artist Development Programme

Dorset Visual Arts is excited to launch our brand new Artist Development Programme, exclusively for DVA Members. Focused on Creative Development and Community Building, we are pleased to offer four strands for Members to get involved:

Member Socials: Relaxed get togethers for networking and meeting other DVA members
Peer support networking: Peer-to-peer sessions focused on exploring creative practice
Masterclasses: Training and creative development workshops with industry experts
Partnership events: Exclusive tours, talks and events with partner organisations

Sessions are featured in the monthly Members' newsletter, Latest News and Updates

We are also supporting initiatives for Emerging artists and Colleges, working with Bournemouth + Poole, Coastland and Yeovil Colleges.

Our Emerging Artist Programme offers guidance, support and practical advice via one-to-one mentoring sessions and group tutorials. This activity will support the development of final outcomes to exhibit in a group show at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.

For 2026, this limited programme is funded by National Lottery Project Grants.

We are working with Bournemouth + Poole, Coastland and Yeovil Colleges to engage with students via site visits, talks and career fairs to provide advice and guidance about working in the Creative Sector. In 2025 we worked with Yeovil College to help produce their Creative Showcase exhibition at Sherborne House

Yeovil College Creative Showcase 2025

The 2026 Programme is supported with funding from National Lottery Project Grants

Keep an eye on our Latest News and Updates and social media for Artist Development Programme announcements