Dorset on the World Stage for Contemporary Art: The Dorset Pavilion

William Hole, detail of Dorset from Poly-Olbion Map

After its debut at the internationally-acclaimed Venice Biennale, one of the oldest and largest contemporary art exhibitions in the world, ‘Dorset Pavilion’ returns to its home county where it will be exhibited until 15 March, alongside a rich programme of talks.

The Dorset Pavilion exhibits art that is made locally but speaks transglobally. Artworks from 28 artists provide a visceral and playful exhibition that celebrates the parish-sized thinking that is both resurgent and under threat. It highlights Dorset’s contribution to the broader art world and challenges conventional expectations of regional art.

Photographer, filmmaker, anthropologist and artist Sophie Molins put Dorset on the world map. Sophie invited 14 artists who have lived or work in Dorset to exhibit a beautifully diverse collection of work that celebrates the county’s lands, crafts, heritage and culture. Over 7000 visitors from 30 countries experienced Dorset Pavilion in Venice.

View the exhibition catalogue for more information
View their website for more information and images of the artworks

Dorset Pavilion in Bridport

Bridport Arts Centre will host Dorset Pavilion from 8 February to 15 March 2025.
The preview is open to all on Friday 7 February from 6 to 8pm

Six events will be held alongside Dorset Pavilion, find out more and book an event here.

What is curating? Saturday 8 February, 2:30pm
Art on Protest and Justice, Saturday 15 February, 3pm
Caught in a Web: A Documentary of a Dorset Village by Toni de Bromhead, Saturday 22 February, 2pm
A Consideration of Earth, Bodies and Stones, Saturday 1 March, 2pm
Storytelling: Timeless Tales and Magical Doorways, Saturday 8 March, 2:10pm