Dorset Art Weeks - Free Guide

3 Welcome to Dorset Art Weeks 2026: An Annual Celebration of Visual Arts Dorset Art Weeks (DAW) is the largest visual arts event of its kind in the county, offering 16 days to explore an extraordinary variety of art, from traditional to contemporary, showcased by Dorset’s talented artists, makers, and designers. 23 MAY - 7 JUNE 2026 Meet the Makers This vibrant event, now held annually, invites the public to explore over 290 venues across the breadth of Dorset, including artists’ open studios, workshops, group shows, and curated exhibitions. It’s a unique opportunity to meet artists, from emerging talents to established professionals. In addition, you can purchase some really great original art and crafts for your home, whilst celebrating and supporting your local creative community. Explore the County Visiting DAW venues presents the perfect opportunity for a great day out, exploring all parts of the county, from the centre of our towns and urban areas to studios nestled in the countryside and by the sea. Use this FREE Guide to find artists nearby or plan an inspiring trip further afield. Featured Commission: FLOW Be sure to visit venue 38 to see FLOW , our headline commission for Dorset Art Weeks . This year, one Dorset artist exhibits a commissioned work in the Threshing Barn at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, in partnership with the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) and supported by Hall & Woodhouse . What’s New for 2026 We are thrilled to announce that DAW will now be an annual event! Since its inception in 1992, DAW has traditionally run biennially. By moving to an annual format, we aim to encourage more visitors and foster consistent engagement with our diverse and talented creative community year after year. We’ve also revamped our branding and launched a brand new website! Visit our site to use our interactive map , find more information on the event, and discover available workshops and events at various venues. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with all our news! Dorset Art Weeks is run by Dorset Visual Arts (DVA), a registered charity that supports visual artists and makers at all stages of their career. Visit dorsetvisualarts.org to find out more. ‘ Dorset Art Weeks continues to flourish, offering great opportunities for artists, providing valued experiences for locals and visitors alike, and boosting the tourism economy. Moving to an annual event from every other year is to be welcomed given the popular demand. We are delighted to continue our long term sponsorship. What could be better than making a day of it - visits to artists’ studios fuelled by a lovely pub lunch!’ Anthony Woodhouse , Hall & Woodhouse Plan your Dorset Art Weeks today to celebrate and support your local creative community! A big thank you to our headline sponsor, Hall & Woodhouse . Their continued enthusiasm and support are vital to the success of our event.