This month we’ve got a wide range of events and opportunities available for artists and organisations across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Read on for the latest news, including some exciting things from the Cultural Compact –
Cultural Compact:
Filmmaking Commission:
The Cultural Compact is creating a new short film that will showcase arts and culture across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, using new footage alongside archival recordings to advocate for our creative industries both regionally and nationally.
We are looking for a filmmaker, or collective of filmmakers, to create a 2-3-minute short film to be ready for release in November 2026.
We want to work with experienced artists who are dynamic and visionary. They will be excited to show off Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole’s culture, ranging from grassroots practitioners to large organisations, and how it positively impacts the people who live here.
Budget: £5000 (to cover all elements of the project)
Application Process:
Please send the following to info@culturalcompact.org.uk before 9am on 24th August:
- Filmmaking CV (including 2 references who can be contacted by the compact upon interview)
- Link to showreel/portfolio
- A short covering letter (max 400 words) telling us why you’re the perfect person or team to make this short film.
Alternatively, the short covering letter can also be sent as a video or audio file no longer than 4 minutes.
Culture Network (Save the Date):
Thanks to everyone who attended our crossover event with In the Making (and Auger Collective) last month. Congratulations to all the artists who performed, bringing brilliant work to life.
We’ll be announcing all the details for our next Culture Network event soon, but for the meantime save the date Thursday 22nd October, 5.30-8pm.
Creative Whatsapp Group:
I’m admin of a WhatsApp Group for creatives from across BCP to share news, discuss opportunities, and connect with others. We currently have 67 community members and we’d love to welcome more people to create specialist groups. Please email me with your phone number if you’d like to join.
Erni Salleh:
What stories are hidden inside an ice-cream container? Why does a particular sound remind us of home? How can an internet meme connect strangers across continents?
Led by Singaporean author Erni Salleh and British Burmese poet Amy Hardingson, this gentle outdoor experience invites participants to slow down, notice their surroundings and explore the connections between landscape, memory and culture. Through a series of stops in the New Forest, participants will encounter everyday objects, sensory prompts, poetry and stories drawn from East and Southeast Asian experiences, while reflecting on their own memories, traditions and communities.
For more information, check out the link HERE.
TOSH:
OSC: Arts Career Course at TOSH, Autumn 2026
Develop your professional arts practice in this practical 7-session evening course at TOSH, designed for visual artists at all stages of their career. Led by experienced arts mentors, we’ll cover building a sustainable creative practice and navigating the arts sector alongside a supportive group of peers.
Course content will include: preparation of work for galleries and exhibitions; making work in Dorset; prioritising care and boundaries; understanding arts sector opportunities; pricing your artwork. You’ll also have access to 1-to-1 support sessions on proposals, funding, portfolio development and more.
Course dates: Every other week, 6pm-8pm, Sept-Nov (see all session dates via the link)
Course Fee: £150* payable in 2 instalments
Application Deadline: Thursday 20th August, midnight
APPLY HERE: forms.gle/ZvHXt86wGcLE68ej9
*We want our courses to be accessible to as many people as possible. To help reduce financial barriers, we have three reduced-fee places available for people on low income or have health issues. If you would like to be considered for a bursary, please let us know via your application form.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra:
BSO’s Young Associates programme is a paid eight-month music leader training programme for 18-30 year olds based in the South West who are underrepresented in the arts.
It will immerse you in the world of a community music leader through hands-on training and mentorship and provide a career springboard for two talented young people to develop skills and join a growing network of emerging music leaders. No music leading experience required – we’re looking for potential!
Apply and see more information on the information pack here, deadline is Sunday 16 August 5pm.
Auger Collective:
We loved visiting Auger Collective’s new premises at the Sovereign Shopping Centre in Boscombe, exploring the Vestiges exhibition. Keep an eye out for their future events and opportunities for visual artists.
Lighthouse Poole:
Lighthouse Poole are launching their very own Youth Theatre, opening in September for ages 5-15. They are currently recruiting for a teacher/facilitator.
For more information, click here.
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That’s all folks! We’ll be launching the next newsletter in a month’s time, so please email the Cultural Compact anything you’d like to be included by Friday 28th August, with NEWSLETTER marked in the subject header. You can contact us at info@culturalcompact.org.uk.