Sandy Hill Arts: A Thriving Creative Hub in the Heart of Dorset
Nestled between the historic steam railway and Purbeck’s rolling fields, with views of Corfe Castle, you’ll find an inspirational space buzzing with creativity. Over the last 15 years, and particularly in the last three, Sandy Hill Arts has become a thriving creative hub that attracts creatives from across the country.
Funding from Arts Council England and Dorset Council has been helping the charity in its mission to secure a diverse, sustainable and thriving the local community, creatives and visitors.
Where It Began
When Tony Viney moved to Dorset from London, where he ran his own publishing agency for 15 years, he became the catalyst for a new creative community.
In 2008, Tony saved a historic milk bottling site from redevelopment, and created a new creative and community space where local artists and the wider community could flourish. Tony re-purposed the existing buildings into artist studios, an exhibition space, and workshops for artists, and then Tony and his family founded the charity Sandy Hill Arts in 2021, for the benefit of the local community.
Sandy Hill Arts now boasts the well-known Boilerhouse Gallery, artist studios that attract creatives working in a range of disciplines, workshop spaces, and, most recently, a large marquee for events
New Spaces and New Opportunities
A grant of £28,000 from Arts Council England in October 2022 enabled the centre to purchase a new marquee and launch a grassroots music programme that increased community engagement and access to quality, diverse music in Purbeck, and inspired local musical talent in the community. It also created a new income stream and allowed the organisation to diversify its programming and audiences. They have welcomed many more visitors than previous years, including those from London.
Sandy Hill Arts has also repurposed existing buildings to accommodate more activities. Their old residential cottage has been transformed into a classroom and three additional studios, and ‘Room 14’— part of a former chicken shed—is now a flexible indoor performance and exhibition space.
From intimate exhibitions to big music performances from brilliant artists such as Skylla/Ruth Goller, Alice Zawadski, and Fran and Flora, Sandy Hill Arts has become a significant venue for the county. A standout moment came when actor and comedian Dylan Moran, inspired by the quirks and charm of the venue, agreed to perform at Sandy Hill Arts after a conversation with one of the team members. Another moment in 2024 was a talk with actor Sir Mark Rylance who held his audience captivated for two hours.
Community, Creativity, and Sustainability
In 2024, Sandy Hill Arts received a grant from Dorset Council’s Organisational Revenue Support Fund for Culture.
“We are enormously grateful for this core employment funding from Dorset Council, over the next three years. This support is crucial in helping Sandy Hill Arts deliver its programme of exciting, innovative and inspiring creative events and courses for the local people of Purbeck.”
Melissa Viney, Chair of Sandy Hill Arts
Lessons for New Cultural Venues
Sandy Hill Arts offers valuable advice for emerging arts organisations looking to follow in their footsteps:
Stay rooted in a strong creative vision: Build a positive, ‘can do,’ diverse, yet grounded team. Ensure your vision is clear, and shared and understood across the whole team.
Embrace risk: Don’t be afraid to try new things and push boundaries. Results will come in time, keep going!
Engage your networks: Foster relationships with local councils, funders, and community members, and maintain strong relationships with them all.
With the team’s passion and vision, this maverick arts centre will continue to inspire artists, residents, and visitors from Dorset and beyond for years to come.