An opportunity for the region’s artists to come together, share experience, pitch ideas, celebrate and develop, the first Dorset Artists’ Festival takes place at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 May. 

It opens with a full day of ten performances and presentations from Dorset-based theatre makers, musicians, comedians, and circus performers – plus some puppets – taking place in the Sherling Studio, foyers, and function rooms.  

Tuesday evening will see a performance of Dearly Beloved, a eulogy with a difference performed by incredible circus eccentric Charlie Bicknell, for which a limited number of tickets are available to the public. 

That’s followed on Wednesday by a series of five-minute pitches and a day of debate and provocations, a time for professional performers, theatre-makers, producers, and promoters working in Dorset to reflect, make connections and contribute to future planning. Organisations including Lighthouse, Activate and the Arts Development Company, as well as artists, will join in a symposium event examining how best to support artists and further develop the arts in Dorset. 

Over the two days some 50 artists and creatives, plus delegates from venues, agencies, promoters and funders, are expected to participate. 

Places can be booked at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk.  

Photo credit Neil King