Exhibiting With Us
Are you an artist or group interested in exhibiting in one of our spaces?
Read on before deciding whether to submit a proposal and which space could suit you.
We receive many proposals, and can only select a small number of exhibitions each year. Every proposal is discussed by a panel that meets around three times a year, so please do not expect an immediate response. We try to acknowledge every proposal.
Would you like to submit a proposal?
- Email (not more than 2 sides of A4) an outline of your proposed exhibition to [email protected]
- Let us know which space your proposal is for.
- Attach digital example images to your email, but do not send or deliver any original or unique materials, as we cannot guarantee their return.
- If your proposal meets our aims, we will get in touch to ask for more information.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Victorian Hall will be hosting a private event on Friday 10th June 2022, all day and Saturday 11th June 2022, 12 noon to 5:00 pm, and therefore will be closed to visitors.
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
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For more information
[email protected]
Special Exhibitions
For high-quality exhibitions expected to attract large visitor numbers. Exhibitions in this 125m2 space are planned for at least two years. We curate our own exhibitions, hire touring exhibitions and work in partnership with national and regional museums to display prestigious loans from across the country.
Every proposal is measured against set criteria by our panel, which meets three times a year. Our priority is to programme high-quality exhibitions, which balance commercial sustainability with access to both our own collections and those of other Museums and widen engagement with target audiences.
The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Community Space
For local artists, artists exploring local themes, community or local heritage groups. This multi-functional space on the Museum’s ground floor can display a small number of 2D works. We welcome proposals from local artists, artists exploring local themes, community or local heritage groups who are interested in using the space to exhibit work generated by projects they are engaged in. Please note that this space is also used for meetings and events so will only be open to the public at set times.
What's On
14 March to 12 June 2022
A Virus a Day Textile Art by Antje Rook
Antje Rook created the A Virus a Day quilt created in response to Covid-19. The Portland artist embroidered one virus for every day of the first 2020 UK lockdown while she was isolating with her partner.
Find out more28 May – 30 October 2022
Take a fresh look at the Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy, in the stunning Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. His story will be retold in exciting new ways by our museum collections, from period costumes to personal letters, art to archaeology.
Find out more31 May 2022, 10:00am - 12noon
Half Term ArtyFacts
Model theatre-making based on Hardy's novels and the model by Thomas Tilley for the Hardy Players in the Hardy's Dorset Gallery.
Find out more2 June 2022, 10:00am - 12noon
Half Term ArtyFacts
Create your own wooden Victorian decoupage box using Victorian images and decoration in association with the Thomas Hardy exhibition and the Hardy's Dorset gallery. Younger children will be able to create simple Victorian collages.
Find out more11 June 2022, 10:30am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tours
A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.
Find out more17 June - 11 July 2022, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Hardy’s Wessex: Drawing on the ancient past
This six-week course led by artist Helen Garrett will take you on a creative journey through Thomas Hardy’s work, inspirations and Dorset Museum’s collections.
Find out more18 June 2022, 11:30am - 4:00pm
Dorset Button making day
Join Dorset button maker and artist Anna McDowell to explore the history of Dorset button-making and take part in a workshop to make your own buttons.
Find out more19 June 2022, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday ArtyFacts
Create colourful wax resist and collaged patchwork patterns and shapes inspired by Valentine Ackland's jacket from our Dorset Artists gallery. Make your own cards and bookmarks with colourful designs to take home.
Find out more22 June 2022, 7:30pm
Connaught Brass
Connaught Brass are quickly making a name for themselves as a fresh talent in the chamber music world
Find out more