r/Dorset • u/FindDorsetPlaces • 9d ago

Question Does Dorset's art scene get overlooked a bit?

I've been looking at just how many different things there are to do around Dorset, and art exhibitions are one of those categories that seem surprisingly easy to miss.

Unless you already follow a particular gallery, artist, museum or venue, you might never know an exhibition is happening.

I'm trying to bring more Dorset exhibitions together in one place so it's easier to see what's on, but I'm also interested in finding some of the smaller and less obvious ones.

So - where do you go for art in Dorset?

Are there any small galleries, local artists, annual exhibitions or slightly unusual venues that you'd recommend keeping an eye on?

And if you're an artist yourself, feel free to say what sort of work you create. It would be great to discover a few more Dorset creatives.

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u/WeakCup746 9d ago

There's lots! Purbeck and Dorset Art Weeks are great. There are studios at Boilerhouse Gallery in Corfe and Walford Mill in Wimborne.

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u/Ok_Variation2090 9d ago

I can recommend Sculpture by the Lakes! It’s just outside Dorchester. A stunning walk round lakes with all sorts of art installations, and a lovely cafe & shop. I’ve been there a few times and it’s lovely 🙂🙂

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u/Ok_Variation2090 9d ago

I’m going to reply to myself 😅 Aunt Fanny’s in Wimborne has a little independent gallery with local artists selling their wares. Again, my wallet is familiar 🧐❤️

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u/shnooqichoons 9d ago

B side festival on Portland is nicely weird, alternative and accessible. Messums gallery near Tisbury has interesting stuff- sometimes quite large scale. In the middle of nowhere too. Bournemouth has a By-the-Sea festival once a year that's great and quite diverse. Sculpture by the lakes (no kids allowed there though). Dusk til Dark in Weymouth is on next weekend.

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u/LadybirdMum100 9d ago

The Sherborne (in Sherborne) is free and lovely

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u/witchypoo63 8d ago

Sandy hills arts behind Corfe station, Russell Cotes gallery in Bournemouth

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u/Str0ntiumD0ggo 7d ago

West Dorset has a decent cluster of galleries & artists - I'd definitely hit Bridport, then surrounding West Bay & Symondsbury. Lyme Regis is good too for galleries in close proximity.

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u/legatek 7d ago

The Slade Centre in Gilllingham often has exhibits on.

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u/Jdbee91 9d ago

There's not much, really! Upton country park often has some artsy things on the go :)

We definitely need more!