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. As Dorset Visual Arts develops the programme for The Sherborne, DVA will be re-communicating an offer to Dorset Makers and DVA Members for involvement in how craft and design are represented at The Sherborne, and ongoing participation in display, exhibitions and other areas of the visual arts programme at the House. 

The initiative’s relaunch also welcomes guest makers ahead of a call for new and emerging makers in early 2025.

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

This group runs primarily for semi-professional artists who have either been formally trained or otherwise gained experience of exhibiting and participating in 'solid', well conceived projects with a purpose. The project has a maintained the loyalty of a core group who welcome new members and keep its supportive spirit alive and well. 

The group meets six times a year; generally to:

•   Undertake critical reviews of work in progress and encourage skill swaps and knowledge sharing

•   Introduce and consider different aspects of working as an artist - e.g.:

-  exhibitions - running workshops - framing - working in series / themes - writing

•   Form an annual collective process based on an exhibition or other special project - e.g artist’s books

•   Make studio visits

•   Encourage informal collaborations between members of the group with common interests

A selected fine art membership group bringing together established fine artists.

Meeting around six times a year, much along the lines of a traditional ‘sketch book club’ to:

• encourage critical debate
• share creative knowledge and experiences
• prompt collaborations

DVA aims to encourage Dorset’s professional galleries to become familiar and associated with The Salon as well as seeking to extend its visibility beyond Dorset and are open to the idea of collaborations.

Applications to join are invited by CV, accompanying letter and a selection of images – see criteria under Projects on this site. The letter should include reference to why you think this opportunity might be for you and what you think you can bring to the group.

The group has distinct focus areas based on the following: Curatorial, Drawing, Colour and Inter-disciplinary practice which not only provide areas for critical investigation and development but also feed into the programme at The Sherborne.