Dorset's voluntary and community arts sector plays an important role in helping to:
- create vibrant places
- support healthy communities
- increase participation in cultural activity across Dorset
Community-led arts groups provide opportunities for residents to:
- connect with others
- learn new skills
- express creativity
- build social networks
These activities contribute to individual wellbeing and community resilience.
Dorset Culture Sector Impact Report
The Dorset Culture Sector Impact Report 2023 to 2024 found that:
- 93% of Dorset residents engaged with arts activity
- 70% participated in heritage activity
Both figures were above the national average.
The report highlights the important contribution that volunteer-led organisations, community groups and local cultural initiatives make to Dorset's cultural life. They help ensure that cultural opportunities are available in towns, villages and rural communities across the county.
The same report identifies volunteers as an important part of Dorset's cultural sector.
Across Dorset, volunteers support:
- museums
- festivals
- arts organisations
- community venues
- libraries
- heritage projects
They help organisations reach more people, maintain services and create more opportunities for people to take part.
This reflects national evidence showing that volunteer-led cultural activity continues to make an important contribution to arts engagement and community cohesion.
While participation levels remain strong, many voluntary arts groups face common challenges, including:
- recruiting and retaining members
- securing affordable venues
- accessing funding
- managing volunteers
- improving digital capability
Supporting these organisations is important for maintaining a strong cultural sector. It helps ensure communities continue to benefit from local cultural activities.
This supports our commitment to:
- enabling communities
- supporting local organisations
- maximising the social and economic benefits that culture can bring
Community support and volunteering
Dorset Volunteer Centre
A range of support is available to help community arts groups develop and thrive. Dorset Volunteer Centre provides practical advice and organisational support to community groups across Dorset, including those working in arts, heritage, museums, libraries, adult learning and wider cultural activity.
Support includes:
- organisational development and governance advice
- fundraising and grant application support
- guidance on identifying and managing community venues
- digital skills, IT and online communications support
- volunteer management and good practice guidance
- support to help groups become more sustainable and resilient
Creative Lives
Creative Lives is the national organisation supporting creative cultural participation. It offers specialist resources for volunteer-led arts groups, including:
- guidance on fundraising
- audience development
- marketing
- governance
- long-term sustainability
Groups seeking support with volunteer recruitment and management can also access advice through Volunteer Centre Dorset. Effective volunteer support helps strengthen community capacity. This ensures that local cultural organisations can continue to deliver high-quality cultural opportunities for residents and visitors.