Events & Exhibitions

Dorset Visual Arts run a variety of Events and Exhibitions across Dorset, providing opportunities for DVA Members and other Dorset Creatives to showcase their work, and for audiences to engage with fine art, craft and design in a variety of contexts and settings.

Dorset Art Weeks 15 - 31 May 2027

Venue Registrations 2 Nov - 9 Dec 2026

DAW is the largest visual arts event of its kind in Dorset, offering an amazing variety of art from traditional to contemporary, showcased by Dorset artists, makers, and designers. Visitors are free to drop in during opening hours to homes, studios, workshops, galleries, and other interesting venues, many with staggering views of the coast and countryside, while others are conveniently located on high streets and industrial estates.

Artists and makers are happy to discuss their materials, methods, and inspirations, offering visitors the chance to engage with their work. Visitors can explore individual studios or discover group exhibitions.

All 2026 venue details can be found here

Our DAW yellow signs guide you to artists' doors across the county. If you are unable to attend on the scheduled days, most venues are happy to arrange an alternative visit, even year-round. Please get in touch with venues directly to enquire.

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DVAtions is DVA’s curated project programme.

The programme started in spring 2025 with Biophilia, a touring exhibition between south west hospitals, enhancing clinical environments and which explored the relationship between creativity, nature and wellbeing.

In May, In Our Nature featured works by DVA Members in the stunning setting of the Fine Foundation Gallery, near Swanage, and in partnership with Durlston Country Park.

In the autumn, Droves & Downs awarded bursaries to four artists to explore the hidden stories of Cranborne Chase, This was delivered in partnership with Cranborne Chase National Landscape, and supported by Dorset Council Community and Culture funding. After showing at Shaftesbury Arts Centre in November 2025, the project moved to The Museum of East Dorset in spring 2026, featuring in Dorset Art Weeks and also as part of Wimborne Town of Culture.

Finally, 2025 ended with The Dorset Open, a major new Open Call opportunity for south west artists which showed at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.

For 2027, DVAtions projects will include Making Dorset at Kingston Lacy, the return of The Dorset Open at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery and further activity to be announced.