Culture, Ferndown, Swanage, Wimborne | Posted on December 18th, 2024 | return to news
Who will be Dorset’s Town of Culture 2026?
Four towns have made the shortlist to become Dorset’s Town of Culture in 2026: Ferndown, Sherborne, Swanage & Purbeck, and Wimborne.
Four towns have been shortlisted to become Dorset’s Town of Culture in 2026: Ferndown, Sherborne, Swanage & Purbeck, and Wimborne. The winning town will receive up to £30,000 to spend on culture and community projects.
Town of Culture was established by Arts Development Company in partnership with Dorset Council to give a town, village or hamlet in the county the opportunity to strengthen the cultural activity already happening in their area and deepen the relationships between communities, venues and organisations.
A panel of industry experts will choose one town to receive £30,000 of matched funding and support from Dorset Council to spend on a year’s worth of cultural activity, including new and existing creative events and community projects.
The first Town of Culture was Bridport in 2024, and this year Portland & Weymouth were chosen with a joint bid.
David Lockwood, CEO of Arts Development Company, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the initial submissions for Town of Culture 2026. These four towns, each distinct, show clearly the opportunities for using culture and creativity to enhance their towns for their residents. Now the four towns have a chance to develop their plans in more detail, and we’ll work with our panel to make the difficult decision as to which of them will be Dorset Town of Culture for 2026.”
Cllr Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, said: “The four shortlisted towns for the 2026 Town of Culture all bring something different to the table. I’m delighted they have been recognised for their individual culture offers. Dorset is home to some outstanding cultural venues and events, and I am excited to see how the judging unfolds so we can celebrate arts and events which make up the fabric of our wonderful county.”
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