Project Groups

The Making Dorset Project Group is behind the publication ‘Fifty Dorset Makers’. Produced in partnership with Evolver magazine, the book features 50 of Dorset’s finest designer makers working in ceramics, glass, paper, stone, textiles, wood, minerals and metals, with a foreword by Professor Simon Olding.

At its inception, Making Dorset was open to professionally and, or academically trained designers and makers who have established their practice in Dorset and could demonstrate a track-record in either, or both of, the public and private sectors, including trained or apprenticed emergent designers and makers. The group sought to share ideas and experiences, undertake critivcal reviews to explore the content as well as the processes associated with each individual's practice.  

In autumn 2024, the group relaunched with a major new exhibition at The Sherborne.

The Emerging Artist Group brings together early career artists, some of who have recently graduated from an BA or MA. This new group is open to emergent artists, designers, and makers based in Dorset. While artists of any age can apply, we are looking for artists at the beginning of their professional career who would benefit from a support network of those in a similar position to help further their careers in the visual arts in Dorset. 

This group focuses on bringing together artists to share ideas, knowledge, skills, and critical discourse. Members will attend regular meetings to discuss work in a critical capacity. These will also be a chance to socialise with other members. As well as the benefits received by all members, the Emerging Artist group will receive the following benefits: 

• Bi-annual socials to connect and create camaraderie with other Emerging DVA members
• Opportunities to showcase members' work which will be shared across DVA channels including DVA website and social media, creating more exposure and connectivity for Emerging artists 
• Exhibition opportunities within the Dorset Visual Arts Network
• Group chat for members to discuss work, chat, and send relevant information in between meetings
• Opportunity to join other DVA Member groups