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 opened to professionally and, or academically trained designers and makers who have established their practice in Dorset and who demonstrated 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.

Making Dorset will continue as a DVA-led initiative where craft, design and making have a separate focus and appreciation within DVA's delivery, with over 30 DVA Members working as part of the group. As of autumn 2025, the application process to join Making Dorset is under review as the initiative looks to secure locations for further showcase displays for 2026.