Artsreach aims to make a positive difference to the lives of people living in rural Dorset, addressing rural and social isolation; developing skills and supporting health and wellbeing by providing the opportunity to participate in and engage with cultural activity in the heart of rural communities.
Artsreach builds upon existing resources and facilities to create a stimulating and challenging environment in which individuals, communities and performers can develop their creative potential.
Our performance programme runs through a large network of volunteer promoting groups and together we organise over 140 cultural events every year, including live performances and creative workshops. Not only do our events provide the opportunity for local people to enjoy high quality arts on their doorstep, they support the upkeep of vital community venues, and are also a great social occasion and a fantastic way of bringing communities together!
Cultural activity and events are programmed by Artsreach with the knowledge they are suitable for small scale rural touring. Volunteers in rural communities across Dorset promote and host professional performances of theatre, music, dance, storytelling and family shows in their village hall or community centre and a percentage of the box office is retained by the venue to help with the sustainability of the community amenity. Artsreach supports the rural communities by guaranteeing the performers fees, therefore removing the financial risk and we ensure ticket prices are kept affordable.
