Dorset Town of Culture applications are open

Towns across Dorset are being invited to apply to become the next Dorset Town of Culture, with £30,000 in match-funding from Dorset Council to help bring ambitious community-led programmes to life. 

Applications for the 2027 title are open now and will close on Monday 13 July 2026.  
 
The initiative gives one town each year the chance to lead a programme of arts, events and creative activity that brings people together, supports local pride and boosts the area’s profile. 

Dorset Town of Culture is a countywide programme created in 2024 by the Arts Development Company, an organisation that supports arts and culture across Dorset. The scheme helps towns develop and showcase their cultural offer, with a clear focus on community involvement and lasting impact. 

Dorset Council provides £30,000 to the successful town, which must be match-funded locally. This investment supports a year-long programme designed by and for the community, with a focus on making culture accessible to everyone. 

The programme has already delivered strong results…  
 
- Bridport, the pilot Town of Culture in 2024, hosted 35 events attracting around 10,000 people.  
- Portland and Weymouth delivered 24 projects involving 137 artists and welcomed more than 15,000 attendees in 2025.  
- Wimborne is currently delivering its 2026 programme, with events taking place throughout the year. 

Towns applying for the 2027 title will need to show a clear cultural vision, strong community involvement and a commitment to access and inclusion. They must also demonstrate how they will manage funding and create a lasting legacy beyond the year itself. 

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets, said:  
 
“Dorset Town of Culture is making a real difference in our communities. It’s helping towns celebrate what makes them special, while bringing people together and supporting local artists and businesses. 
 
“The council’s funding is part of our wider commitment to support communities, grow the local economy and improve wellbeing through access to culture and the arts. By backing Dorset Town of Culture, we aim to help towns build confidence, attract visitors and create opportunities for local artists and organisations.” 
 
Applications must be submitted through the Arts Development Company website and include a short video setting out the town’s vision.