As always, there are lots of brilliant things happening soon across East Dorset, suitable for those living and working in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole –
From The Cultural Compact:
We’ve had a busy month, organising a Creative Health Summit for local health professionals and arts practitioners. Thanks to everyone who attended. We’ll be announcing details soon of our next Culture Network event, which will be happening at the beginning of July.
WhatsApp Group:
We’re starting a creative WhatsApp group! If you’d like to join, please use THIS LINK to sign up. It’s for artists and creatives working across BCP, to forge new connections and share information/opportunities. It will be moderated by the Compact.
From Pavilion Dance South West:
Dance and Doodle Workshops
9 May, 10am – 12 noon
Rediscover your creative instincts in this immersive workshop led by Jenna Hubbard and Adele Keeley, where movement, mark-making, and costume design converge. Through playful choreography and expressive drawing using paper and pens, you’ll be invited to reflect on how your body moves, and how your imagination can reshape the familiar. These sessions aren’t about perfection; they’re about process, curiosity, and connection with each other. Whether you’re revisiting a long-lost creative spark or exploring new ways to express yourself, come ready to experiment, collaborate, and surprise yourself.
The Moving Canvas: Dance and Doodle Workshops | PDSW
Open Pro Class with Richard Chappell Dance
19 – 29 May, 10 – 11:15am
Supported Artist Richard Chappell Dance returns to Bournemouth and is offering class whilst they are in residence. The class is designed to be energetic, whilst also being accessible and adaptable for dancers who need or want a softer experience that day. See our website for dates and to book when sessions are released.
From Arts University Bournemouth:AUB Theatre Productions have two upcoming productions at the Palace Court Theatre:
Moonfleet – 14-16 May 2026
The Mohune family has risen from its watery grave to tell this tale of greed, adventure, and shipwrecks in 18th century Dorset. Follow John Trenchard as he tries to find Blackbeard’s lost diamond. Why is there a banging noise coming from the vaults?
A reworking of Angel Exit’s 2009 rip-roaring dramatisation of Falkner’s classic novel, set at the time of legendary smuggling adventures, with songs, puppetry, and movement. Directed by Angel Exit’s co-Artistic Director, Tamsin Fessey (Salt, A community Play for Poole)
Grimm Tales – 28-30 May 2026
Funny, magical, cruel and wondrous, classic folk tales from The Brothers Grimm are presented here in acclaimed poet Carol Ann Duffy’s enchantingly fresh adaptation, with a beguiling and vigorous dramatisation by Tim Supple.
From Wimborne Community Theatre:
Wimborne Community Theatre is offering creative people living in the area an exciting opportunity to be part of new inclusive, site-specific community theatre production. Staged in a rarely visited part of the Kingston Lacy estate from 21-27 September, the Home Show will a Landmark project within Wimborne’s programme as the chosen Dorset Town of Culture 2026.
Come to the WCT practical workshop on May 20. If you join the group then, you will get the chance to participate FREE in an exciting residential weekend course (29 & 30 May) with the nationally and internationally acclaimed Wildworks, (Port Talbot Passion Play) on how to make exciting theatre in the landscape. Email tony.horitz@icloud.com for more details.
From Sandy Hill Arts:
Over in Corfe Castle, Sandy Hill Arts have a brilliant programme of upcoming workshops, courses, and performances for artists of all disciplines. Check out their events here.
From Make Art: Bournemouth:
Outside In’s next Make Art: Bournemouth art group is coming up on Monday 11th May. The group is happening between 2pm and 4pm at the Old School House in Boscombe, Gladstone Mews, Gladstone Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH7 6BG. It is free with tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
You can read more about our art groups here: https://outsidein.org.uk/artist-development/make-art/ The group is for artists who face barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance or isolation.
We have just released a digital zine of work made at the groups, you can see it on our website here. Our Instagram handle is @outsidein_uk – we hope you’ll connect with us online.
From Helena Eflerova:
I’m inviting women to take part in a series of gentle, creative workshops in warm water as part of a new project, Sculpting Time in Water.
These sessions explore:
- Movement, breath and relaxation in water
- Creativity and self-expression
- Connection with other women in a supportive space
Open to:
- Women of all ages
- Dancers and non-dancers
- Those curious about movement, wellbeing, or trying something new
No previous experience needed — just a willingness to explore.
This is part of an early-stage project combining wellbeing, community and performance, with a filmed outcome in 2026.
If you feel curious or would like to know more, I’d love to hear from you.
Contact: info@heaquatics.com
(Helena is also looking for a Producer who can help shape and support the early development stage, so drop her an email if interested!)
From Dr Sharon Coyne & Vita Nova:
AUB is excited to host the launch of Theatre of the Lost and Found: Drama Education with Marginalised Youth by Dr Sharon Coyne, Artistic Director of Vita Nova on Thursday May 14th from 6:30pm in The Gallery.
The launch will include a reading from the book and Q&A. Copies of the book will be available to buy on the evening, or you can pre-order www.routledge.com/9781032950631.Questions? Please contact innovationstudio@aub.ac.uk
RSVP here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/fHiTsL9GAd
From Arts Development Company:
Join us during Creativity and Wellbeing Week for a special afternoon celebrating the impact of Creative Health across Dorset.
This event brings together practitioners, partners, and stakeholders to connect, share ideas and explore the role of creativity in addressing current health challenges. Expect networking, creative activity, short performances and inspiring talks from across the sector.
We’ll also launch the new Creative Health Strategy, marking a collective response to today’s health challenge and recognise those who have helped shape it.
Whether you’re working in the arts, health, local government or funding, this is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and champion Creative Health.
Dorchester Arts on Tuesday 19 May 2026 from 2:00–4:00pm
That’s all folks! I’ll be launching the next newsletter at the beginning of June, so please email the Cultural Compact anything you’d like to be included by Friday 29th May. You can contact us at info@culturalcompact.org.uk.