Towns across Dorset can now apply to become the county’s Town of Culture for 2027.
The successful applicant will receive £30,000 in match-funding from Dorset Council to help create a year-long programme of arts, events and creative activity, designed around local communities and aimed at widening access to culture.
Applications are being managed by the Arts Development Company, which created Dorset Town of Culture in 2024 to help towns develop and showcase their cultural activity while encouraging community involvement and a lasting impact.
Previous programmes have included 35 events in Bridport during its pilot year in 2024, attracting around 10,000 people, while Portland and Weymouth delivered 24 projects involving 137 artists and welcomed more than 15,000 attendees in 2025.
Wimborne is currently holding events as part of its 2026 programme, with activity continuing throughout the year.
Towns hoping to secure the 2027 title will need to outline their cultural vision, show how local people will be involved and explain how they will manage funding, improve inclusion and create a legacy beyond the programme.
Councillor Richard Biggs said the scheme was “making a real difference in our communities” by supporting local artists, businesses and cultural activity.
Applications close on Monday 13 July 2026 and must include a short video setting out the town’s plans.
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