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 promoting artists and makers with over 250 members. dorsetvisualarts.org

Dorset Art Weeks is now a yearly event. 

The next Dorset Art Weeks is
23 MAY - 7 JUNE 2026

DAW venues span across Dorset, offering a diverse range of locations including homes, studios, workshops, and galleries. To help you plan your Art Weeks we divide the county into six regions: North East, East, Purbeck, South, West and North West.

No, DAW venues are free to visit.

No. DAW takes no commission on sales, the money you pay will go to the creator of the work.

Venues vary in their opening days and times. Please check the individual venue listing in the Free printed Guide or on our website venue pages for specific venue opening times (available six weeks prior to the event). We advise you to contact the venue if you are making a special journey to confirm they are open.

Most artists are happy for you to contact them to arrange a visit at another time

For easy navigation directly to each location, all venues provide their full address and What3Words. Look out for our yellow DAW directional signs near each venue to guide you upon arrival.

Yes, most venues will have works for sale. Not all venues will have card facilities so we advise you to take cash/chequebook

Children are very welcome to visit DAW venues. It's great for them to have the opportunity to see art and meet the artists! Please be aware that some venues are working studios and may have hazardous equipment and delicate items on display.

Venue accessibility varies and is graded as Good, Partial, or Poor. Please consult the Guide or website for specific information on each venue. For any access requirements, kindly contact the venue directly; they will be pleased to assist you.

The venues are shown in the Guide by region and each venue has its own venue number.

The printed Guide has an artist index and the website allows you to search by region, name, venue number or specific artform.

For information on how to take part in Dorset Art Weeks have a look at Artist FAQs