At the start of November, it’s great to see how much is being created and amplified across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Please remember to send the Compact any events and opportunities that you’d like to be shared to the local arts community – we have nearly 400 people on our mailing list.
From the Cultural Compact –
Thank you to everyone who came along to our recent Culture Network event, in partnership with Your Shout at Lighthouse. It was a wonderful evening.
Creative WhatsApp group:
If you’d like to join our Creative WhatsApp community, please email us at info@culturalcompact.org.uk to join. We currently have 70 members and I’d love that to double (or triple) in the coming months.
Save the Date – Creative Access Workshop:
Following on from our survey in September, we’re working with Diverse City to organise a free Creative Access workshop for freelance artists from across the region. We’ll be sharing more details about this soon, but keep Thursday 21st January (11am-2pm) free for this exciting event.
Creative Directory:
Join our free directory for local artists, companies, and organisations. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the breadth and depth of work that is produced in East Dorset. Click the link here to see who’s already featured, and to sign up: https://www.
From What Next –
What Next? is a free-to-access movement that brings together small and large organisations and freelancers to debate and shape arts & culture in the UK. They host bi-monthly meetings online, which anyone can join, providing access to leading figures from the creative industries and government. It’s crucial that Dorset continues to be represented in these discussions. To join their mailing list, use the link here: https://www.
From Absolute Music –
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Suzy Wheeler and the team at Absolute Music. They always have a variety of events going on, with lots of great opportunities for local musicians to get involved and develop their practice. They are also home to BAMM for anyone with young people excited to get into music.
From Pier Journal –
Bournemouth-based Pier Journal has teamed up with Key West on Bournemouth Pier for a special ‘A Night in the Goblin City’ Masked Ball, inspired by the film Labyrinth.
This was the original inspiration for the masked ball which takes place on Friday 13th November 2026 and is brought to you by a team of 40 local volunteers.
There will be live music from Velour and Treecreeper, and a DJ set from We Broke Free DJ Tor Byrnes (who also runs Arts By The Sea Festival). The Key West team are creating some themed cocktails especially for the event too.
Almost 150 people have already bought first release tickets for the 300 capacity ball, with the remainder now on sale priced £34 each (£25 tickets available for students, access code required). Costumes encouraged, masks required.
Find our more and get tickets at: https://www.tickettailor.com/
From Lighthouse Poole –
Join Dorset Scriptwriters at Lighthouse for their next Pipeline: Masterclass event on Wednesday 18th November, featuring a special Q&A between Sir Richard Eyre (former Artistic Director of the National Theatre) and screenwriter Lisa Mayer. Tickets are PWYC. Book now from the link here: https://www.
From Auger Collective –
Based in the Sovereign Shopping Centre, Boscombe, Auger have just opened their new exhibition – ‘Straight from the Quantum Manifold’, a new body of paintings and drawings by Boscombe-based artist and poet Tony Butcher. It runs until the 29th November, with free entry during opening hours.
In the Making will be hosting their next event at Auger on Saturday 5th December, 12-5pm. Whether it’s poetry, spoken word, music, comedy or something a little different, come along, sign up and share your art. Would you benefit from having a pre-arranged performance slot? Get in touch via Instagram or email at in.the.making.at@gmail.com.
From Pavilion Dance South West –
We are seeking people with HR or fundraising experience, or are a practising dance artist, and are passionate about arts and culture, to join our Charity Board of Trustees. Please see the website for more details.
From Purbeck Art Weeks –
The lovely team at Purbeck Art Weeks have asked me to share a variety of brilliant paid commission opportunities for students and emerging artists, as part of their ‘Made by the Sea’ project. Please see here to know more: https://purbeckartweeks.
That’s all for now. Our last newsletter for the year will go out at the start of December, so make sure to send me all your events and opportunities by Monday 30th November.
Photos by Isaac Rujumba, featuring art by Sharon James