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 Notice
On 10 February 2023
Artist Dorset Gallery
will be closed all-day
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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
3 October 2022 - 8 February 2023
Unmasked
Unmasked is a local, voluntary project that began in the dark days of March 2020, when a new disease called COVID-19 literally stopped the world as we knew it.
Find out more3 December 2022 - 26 February 2023
I Grew Up 80s
This winter visitors to Dorset Museum are invited to take a trip back in time with the nostalgia-filled exhibition I Grew Up 80s.
Find out more3 February 2023 - 10 March 2023, 10am -12.45pm
Drawing Into Life – 6 Week Creative Course with Helen Garrett
Winter can be a deeply creative time. We notice luminous landscapes, animals scuttling into their shelters or out searching for food, tempestuous weather patterns, colours, and endless changing skies.
Find out more5 February 2023, 10:30am-12:00pm
I Grew Up 80s ArtyFacts
Create your own weaving crafts inspired by our I Grew Up 80s exhibition.
Find out more7 February 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Archaeology Highlights Tour
Explore archaeological treasures held by Dorset Museum – from Bronze Age gold to medieval silver - in this volunteer-led tour.
Find out more14 February 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm
I Grew Up 80s ArtyFacts
Use modelling clay, plasticine, and play dough to create your own 1980s inspired creatures.
Find out more14 February 2023, 11:00am - 12:00noon
Dorset Museum Highlights Tour
Explore 250 million years of Dorset’s history in this volunteer-led highlights tour of Dorset Museum. Discover Roman mosaics, fossils from the Jurassic Coast, Thomas Hardy manuscripts and the sculptures of Elisabeth Frink – and plenty more along the way.
Find out more14 February 2023, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
FREE | After hours relaxed opening
Visitors can explore Dorset Museum during this relaxed opening for children with neurodiverse conditions and other sensory processing difficulties. Explore the exhibition and galleries with sound levels at a minimum and screens turned off. There will also be light-touch activities in the Learning Centre.
Find out more16 February 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm
I Grew Up 80s ArtyFacts
Use modelling clay, plasticine, and play dough to create your own 1980s inspired creatures.
Find out more