Hi Everyone,
Here is our second monthly newsletter, shouting out about some of the incredible things happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
From the Cultural Compact:
Our first Culture Network event of 2026 is happening at The Old School House, Boscombe, on Wednesday 28th January from 7-9.30pm. We’ll be introducing artists and organisations to each other and holding space for anyone wishing to share work/information within the community. There’ll be contributions from Kim Morrison (Arts Council England), Jane Joy (BCP Council) and Emma Maguire (Dorset Community Foundation). With free drinks, snacks, and conversation, this is the perfect way to celebrate submitting your tax return! This is for everyone, whether you’re new to the arts or an experienced practitioner.
As 2025 draws to a close, we’d love it if you could spend a couple of minutes filling out this end-of-year survey. It would be brilliant to get some feedback on the Cultural Compact’s work this year, and what we can do to improve in 2026. Whether you’ve attended all of our events, or none, then all contributions would be incredible.
From Annabel Worsfold:
I’m launching a monthly night of new theatre, poetry & comedy, hosted at The Factory Space in Bournemouth, aiming to showcase Dorset’s emerging artists. We have our first event on 7th March 2026. If you might be interested in getting involved, please email me at in.the.making.at@gmail.com.
From BCP Council:
Following from our Environmental Sustainability workshops, we wanted to share the details for the next and final FREE Carbon Literacy for SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) course. It will take place online over two half day sessions on Monday 2nd and Thursday 5th February 2026, 9.30am-1pm both days. The course is open to businesses (including micro-SMEs) based in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, information and sign up can be requested by emailing carbonliteracy@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Carbon Literacy is an accredited course focused on increasing climate education and awareness, covering topics such as climate change, impacts, adaptation, the co-benefits of climate action, and the influence organisations and groups can have on creating a more sustainable future. The aim of completing the course is to come away with the knowledge and motivation to operate in a more sustainable way, which could deliver carbon and financial savings.
In addition, Water Literacy courses are being delivered by the charity Groundworks, and you can find out more here: Water Literacy | Train to Become Water Literate. It looks like there are still free places going so if you’re interested, I’d recommend signing up sooner rather than later as the programme has been running a while. The course is based on the Carbon Literacy course, but focused on the use and supply of water.
From Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra:
Michael Armstrong is working with the BSO’s Creative Health & Communities team, Participate, supporting their delivery of a pilot programme in Boscombe. As you might know, the Participate team deliver a diverse programme of creative health initiatives across the south west, extending from Bournemouth down to Cornwall; this two year Boscombe residency is exploring the creative inputs that are already taking place across the area, offering support and partnership, whilst testing some new ideas with schools and community groups.
We are hosting a Skills Day at HSU on January 17th that I’m keen to promote: it will offer a mix of hands on workshops across different art forms, lunch, networking and a panel discussion in the afternoon that will include representatives from health and social care. I’m particularly interested to draw in emerging creatives, and those who would benefit from meeting other established professionals working in the creative health field.
The event is free but we are encouraging bookings to manage numbers and order the right amount of food. Call 01202 669925 or go to bsolive.com.
From Gemma Alldred:
https://luma.com/0wx665xx
Creative Health and Wellbeing Forum December Meeting
Wednesday 17 December
14:30 – 15:30
A reflective space to pause, notice what’s mattered to you this year, and share in being creative with others. Co-hosted by the CoCreate team (Gemma, Anna & Rosie), our December meeting invites you to take time out for yourself, notice the journey 2025 has taken you on, and connect with other creatively minded folks as the year draws to its close. Reflective practice is an important tool to help you develop your work, and offers a way to take care of yourself too. So come and explore with CoCreate at this festive forum winter special! Open to all – All professions, sectors, and experience levels welcome!
BYO Mince Pies and Warm Drinks! (Tinsel optional) This network is for creative practitioners, cultural organisations, and health professionals with an interest in developing arts and health/wellbeing in Dorset and BCP. It is an open space for anyone to join, share, learn, find support and be heard. Established in 2023 in response to sector feedback as part of Arts Development Company’s Creative Health consultation work. The forum offers a Monthly online meeting, and Facebook group where local, regional and national information on Creative Health and related topics can be shared, and conversations encouraged. The Forum is currently managed by arts and health specialist Gemma Alldred, as part of her role as Co-Director – CoCreate Dorset. The forum is also supported through her roles as Creative Health Associate – Arts Development Company, and as Culture Health & Wellbeing Alliance Regional Champion. Contact info@cocreate.org.uk with any questions.
From Ray Collective: An invite to join Ray Collective at Hengistbury Head this winter solstice.
We’re a group of 20 local creates who work together on one-off solstice performances – for the sheer collab and fun of it. Do join us if you fancy it!
From TOSH Boscombe:
TOSH, where will be hosting our next Culture Network, are working with Open School Creative to facilitate their £500 Lucky Draw.
Need a bit of financial support to push your creative practice forward? Open School Creative is offering a £500 fund every three months, chosen at random, for artists and creatives living in BH postcodes.
Apply now for the Spring 2026 draw!
Deadline: 23 February 2026 – contact TOSH for more details.
That’s all folks! I’ll be launching the next newsletter after our next Culture Network event, so please email the Cultural Compact anything you’d like to be included by Friday 30th January. You can contact us at info@culturalcompact.org.uk.
Thanks,
Rohan