A two week event celebrating contemporary visual arts and crafts, providing an opportunity for the public to visit artists’ studios, workshops, group shows and curated exhibitions throughout Dorset. Dorset Art Weeks (DAW) exists for the purposes of promoting the making of original works of art and craft and to provide an opportunity for the public to become involved in the arts by meeting the artists, seeing their work and how it is produced. DAW is open to all artists and makers from passionate amateurs to professional artists across all mediums. DAW is run by Dorset Visual Arts, a registered charity (1113249) promoting artists and makers with over 250 members. dorsetvisualarts.org

• Promote your Open Studio or Exhibition with the largest visual arts event in Dorset.

• Now EVERY YEAR.

• No commission on your sales.

• Cost effective way to showcase your work. 

• Over 70,00 visitors to DAW Venues in 2024

• Your Venue details in our Guide with 35,000 free copies circulated across Dorset.

• Dedicated Venue page on the DAW website.

• Event marketing carried out centrally by the DAW team.

• We work hard to keep our costs and Venue fees as low as possible. Although many costs have increased over the last few years we have not increased participants fees since 2018.

DAW is open to all and there is no selection process. Artists and makers are welcome to take part in DAW at any stage of their career – even if they are just starting out. 

As long as you live, have your studio in Dorset or are exhibiting your own and/or other artists’/makers work you are welcome to take part. 

You do not have to be a Dorset Visual Arts (DVA) Member to register for DAW. If you are a DVA Member take advantage of the 10% venue discount.

We welcome all artists and makers who live and/or have a studio in Dorset. Dorset Art Weeks is non-selective and open to anyone exhibiting their own or other artists'/makers' work.

Opening your studio allows visitors to experience not only the finished artworks but also the creative process, and the environment in which art is made. But if this isn’t possible there are plenty of other options.

Although the majority of venues are studios and workshops, some people open up their house exhibiting in a room or the whole ground floor. It could be in your garden if you are a sculptor or your garage. 

You may not have a suitable venue of your own, e.g. students or recent college leavers. It is fine to make use of shops, halls, pubs or other commercial premises that you can access. We believe that anywhere can be a venue as long as it is accessible and showcases your art in an engaging way for visitors.

Some artists group together and find a space for a group exhibition. This can be more economical and good for promoting several artists in one location.

No, we do not have any venues ourselves. Our purpose is to promote your existing studio/gallery or alternative venue to the public. It is up to you to find and organise an appropriate venue before registering.

Artists and makers are welcome to take part in DAW at any stage of their career.

You will need to register your venue to take part. Read our Registration Guidance for more information.

Registrations are open from 3 November until 10 December for Dorset Art Weeks 2026.

Registration opens on 3 November until 10 December 2025. You will be asked to complete an online registration form (Jotform) where you will submit your venue information, upload your images for the Guide and website, and pay your registration fee.

Please read our comprehensive Registration Guidance before registering.

The cost per venue is based on the size of listing in the DAW printed Guide.

Please see our Dates and Rates

• Your specially designed venue listing in the DAW full colour A5 printed Guide (print run 35,000), circulated throughout Dorset and other surrounding cultural outlets six weeks prior to the event.

• A page proof sent to all venues for you to check the accuracy of your entry.

• Your venue is given an amount of DAW printed Guides to distribute (approx. 25 per solo venue, up to 50 for a half page in the Guide. Venues over half page in Guide up to 75 copies. More available if required).

• Your venue is given flyers and posters to distribute in your local area, plus digital versions for you to print more.

• x3 DAW branded directional signs for your use near your venue. Now double sided and bigger than previous signage supplied.

• DAW early promotional printed flyer distributed throughout Dorset cultural outlets. 

• Your venue listing will appear on the DAW website (new design for 2026). All information in the printed Guide will be shown on your own venue page. Plus an interactive, searchable map and all information for DAW visitors. Venue information will be online April - October.

• Online resources including DAW logo, social media graphics, e-flyer and posters, event and the DAW Guide to Opening your Studio.

• Generic press releases for you to adapt.

• Social media campaign, including Instagram, Facebook and newsletters.

• Press campaign, offering local, regional and national. Print and online.

• Professional PR campaign, offering local, regional and national media, press, TV and radio coverage.

• Personal support and advice offered to all venues with regular updates

• Commission-free sales for participants

• Dedicated team working on all aspects of the event -  DAW Event Producer and Dorset Visual Arts (DVA) team support. Guide Designer, Web Designer, PR Specialist, Distributor and other specialist skills that may be bought in as required, such as photography.

• As well as your participating fees we raise extra funds through sponsorship and advertising. Any profits from the event go back into running DAW and supporting DVAs core costs.  

Yes. You are responsible for ensuring your venue has Public Liability Insurance. DAW does not accept responsibility for this. If you are using commercial premises, separate insurance may not be necessary, but you should verify your specific circumstances.

We recommend using the Artists Newsletter who operate a policy dedicated to artists  a-n.co.uk/about/type/insurance

In 2024, the total sales for Dorset Art Weeks exceeded £70,000, with an average of £2,684 in takings per venue. Please note that there is no guarantee of sales. A significant aspect of participating in DAW is the promotion of yourself and your work.

Visitor numbers can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as your studio's location, whether you're sharing the space with other artists, and even the day's weather. Some venues may experience low footfall, attracting only a few visitors daily, while others can draw many visitors in a single day. Keep an eye out for our upcoming "Guide to Opening and Promoting your Venue" on the website.