About PAW | The PAW Team | Contact Us | News Archive | Acknowledgements | Advertising | Policies
News Archive
May 14, 2025
New Exhibition Celebrates Emerging and Established Artists at National Trust Castle View Welcome Centre
Monday 2nd June – Sunday 8th June 2025 | 10am–4.30pm daily
Castle View Welcome Centre, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5DR
Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) is delighted to share a brand new collaborative exhibition with the National Trust, taking place at the Castle View Welcome Centre during the second week of the Festival.
This specially curated exhibition brings together the work of nine talented artists – including painters, photographers, sculptors and mixed media artists – offering visitors a dynamic snapshot of the creative energy flourishing in Purbeck.
This exhibition is part of a growing and valued partnership with the National Trust, with an aim to champion and showcase emerging local talent alongside more established voices.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the National Trust for this special exhibition at Castle View. Its stunning backdrop is a perfect setting to showcase the wealth of talent in our local arts community. This exhibition is a great example of what PAW is all about – bringing together artists at different stages of their journeys and inviting the public to explore, connect, and be inspired. We’re very grateful to the National Trust for making this collaboration possible”
– Laurel Hart, Director of Strategic Communications at PAW“We are excited to be collaborating with PAW to host this exhibition showcasing some of the amazing artists in Purbeck. Castle View Welcome Centre is an easily accessible location for the community and visitors to discover the wide range of art that PAW champions through its work. We hope this first of many collaborative projects between PAW and the National Trust here in Purbeck.”
– Ellen Smith, Senior Programming and Partnerships Officer, Corfe Castle, National Trust
Artists exhibiting:
- Andrew Thomas SWAc
- Annie Campbell
- Eleanor Spalding
- Jon Phillips
- Kim Wessely
- Kitty Hartnell
- Laura Butt
- Mae Grimaldi
- Sara Moseley
Award winning British Sculptor Andrew Thomas SWAc shared his reflections on participating in PAW:
“Purbeck seems to have a creative energy that runs right through it — a kind of vein that artists, including sculptors like myself, have tapped into for generations. Being part of PAW connects me to that shared pool of inspiration, and to a wider community of artists who are equally shaped by this special place. While I exhibit my work across many parts of the country, it’s here in Purbeck that my creativity truly feels rooted. There’s something incredibly special about showing work in the landscape that inspires you — and even more so when you’re doing it alongside artists you admire, and within a community that genuinely values what you do.
Exhibiting at Castle View as part of the inaugural ‘Spirit of PAW’ feels like a celebration of all of that. It’s a chance to meet collectors and supporters face to face, share the stories behind my sculpture, and be part of a collective expression of what makes this area — and this festival — so very special and creatively alive.”
Photographer Mae Grimaldi who is new to PAW expressed her thoughts on PAW:
“I am very new to the photography world and PAW. I only got involved this year for the first time thanks to a dear friend of mine, Bev Hill, who I was lucky to meet at Studland while working for the National Trust. This will be my first time exhibiting my work and although I am a bit scared, I am also very excited and thankful for the opportunity. Through this exhibition I want to show people my appreciation for the colors, intricate anatomies and behaviours of insects. Insects have a whole world of their own, and when you look closely at it you realise just how much we miss out on by simply not looking twice. To paraphrase Sir David Attenborough, we cannot protect what we do not understand”.
Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of work on display – and perhaps even discover the perfect piece to take home.
Useful Information:
- Exhibition dates: 2–8 June 2025
- Opening times: 10am to 4.30pm daily
- Venue: Castle View Welcome Centre, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5DR
- Parking: National Trust car park on A351 opposite the castle mound (free for NT members)
- Public transport: Purbeck Breezer no.40 (Poole to Swanage), no.30 (Swanage to Weymouth via Corfe Castle)
Don’t miss this chance to explore local art in an iconic location. Post-PAW Festival there will be a series of PAW artists who will be working in the grounds of Corfe Castle between June 11 – July 16 every Wednesday 10-4. This is a new visiting artist scheme between PAW and the National Trust. More details can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle.
April 25, 2025
One month to go until PAW Festival begins!
With just one month to go, excitement is building for this year’s Purbeck Art Weeks Festival – and we’re thrilled to announce that the official PAW 2025 brochures are hot off the press! Copies are now available in outlets and arts hubs across Purbeck and wider Dorset.
We’re also proud to be partnering once again with our Festival sponsor, The Lulworth Estate, who shared this message of support:
“The Lulworth Estate are proud to sponsor PAW 2025, a celebration of creativity, culture and local talent. We hope that everyone engages, explores and is inspired!”
PAW Chair, Charlotte Heath, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Their continued sponsorship enables us to foster creativity and cultural exchange throughout Purbeck. This support is instrumental in growing our Purbeck Young Artists (PYA) project, providing free workshops in schools and inspiring the next generation of artists. We can’t wait to showcase their incredible artwork at Rollington Barn during this year’s Festival and create unforgettable moments that celebrate the energy and diversity of our community.”
This year, we’re delighted to welcome visitors to 34 Open Studios dotted across Purbeck, where you can meet artists, see their work in action, and even make a few discoveries of your own. You’ll also find a fantastic range of artists exhibiting at Rollington Barn, our Festival hub, and a brilliant collaction of artists at our brand-new venue at the Castle View National Trust Welcome Centre in Corfe Castle.
Don’t miss our daily Pop-Up Artist Sessions at Rollington Barn, where a different artist will be featured each day from 11am–3.30pm.
As ever, our events programme is packed and more exciting than ever! Highlights include:
- Inspiring concerts
- An open mic poetry evening
- Talks
- Hands-on workshops
- A magical mini festival with unforgettable concerts
- And a special production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen at Careys Secret Garden – a collaboration between professional musicians and young performers, bringing this enchanting tale to life. Funded by Dorset Council and the Dorset Community Foundation.
There’s something for everyone at this year’s Festival. Browse the full programme and book your tickets today here.
You can get your brochure at these spots outside of Purbeck:
| Dansel Gallery | Abbotsbury |
| SK Picture Framing | Blandford |
| TIC | Blandford |
| Artcetra | Boscombe |
| Russell Cotes Gallery | Bournemouth |
| TIC | Bournemouth |
| TIC | Bridport |
| Compton Acres | Canford Cliffs |
| Regent Centre | Christchurch |
| Gallery on the Square | Dorchester |
| TIC | Shaftesbury |
| Sou’ Sou’ West Gallery | Symondsbury |
| The Lighthouse | Poole |
| TIC | Poole |
| Sladers Yard | West Bay |
| The Allendale Centre | Wimborne |
| Walford Mill | Wimborne |
February 11, 2025
First Look at PAW 2025 Festival Concerts & Other Events Programme
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our 2025 programme, featuring an array of concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and performances celebrating creativity across Purbeck from 24 May – 8 June.
Festival Highlights
Saturday 24 May, 6pm – Priory Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham
Concert: Apollo’s Cabinet – a fascinating exploration of 18th-century baroque theatre music.
Sunday 25 May, 12 noon – Church of St Peter, Church Knowle
Concert: Ayres Extemporae & Hannah Ely, ‘Bach and His Roots’ – a journey through the influences that shaped Bach, featuring music by Schein, Buxtehude, and Erlebach.
Wednesday 28 May, 10.30am – 11.30am – The Mowlem, Swanage
Storytelling workshop for children (4 – 8 years) with travel writer Nick Jubber.
Mini-Festival Weekend
Friday 30 May, 6pm – Priory Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham
Concert: Stile Antico, ‘Palestrina 500’ – a tribute to Renaissance composer Palestrina, marking 500 years since his birth.
Saturday 31 May, 10:30am-12:30pm – United Reform Church, Wareham
Workshop for Singers – a fantastic opportunity for singers of all levels, led by members of Stile Antico.
Saturday 31 May, 2pm – Priory Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham
Concert and Talk: a talk on Handel’s Art Collection followed by a 2:30pm concert with Augelletti Ensemble (BBC New Generation Baroque Ensemble) & Alexander Chance.
Saturday 31 May, 5:30pm – Priory Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham
Concert: Saraband & The Opera Company (with Samuel Boden, Hilary Cronin, Emily Gray), ‘Love After the Storm’ – French cantatas from the salons of Rameau and his contemporaries.
Saturday 31 May, 9:30pm – Priory Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham
Concert: Ensemble Gamut & Aino Peltomaa – a musical exploration of Finnish mythology mixing medieval sounds with electronics.
Sunday 1 June, 2pm – St Edward, King & Martyr, Corfe Castle
Concert: Toby Carr, Elizabeth Kenny & Nicholas Mulroy, ‘Cubaroque’ – a fusion of early English and modern South-American sounds.
Monday 2 June, 7.30pm – Royal British Legion, Swanage
Poetry open mic night with Martin Hobdell.
Wednesday 4 June, 6pm – 7pm – The Mowlem, Swanage
Writing workshop for adults with travel writer Nick Jubber.
Thursday 5 June, 10.15am – Encombe House
Coffee concert.
Friday 6 June, 7pm – The Mowlem, Swanage
Talk: An atmospheric feast of magical tales with travel writer Nick Jubber and folk musician, actor, and storyteller Tim Laycock.
Saturday 7 June, 4pm – Carey’s Secret Garden, Wareham
Concert: The Echoing Air & Music for Awhile – ‘The Fairy Queen’ – a picnic performance featuring local primary school students.
Stay Tuned for More!
The full PAW 2025 programme and ticket information will be released soon. Visit www.purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk for updates.
We are also delighted that The Lulworth Estate will be sponsoring the Festival again this year, helping us to expand our reach, providing more opportunities for artists and audiences alike. PAW Chair, Charlotte Heath, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Their continued sponsorship enables us to foster creativity and cultural exchange throughout Purbeck. This support is instrumental in growing our Purbeck Young Artists (PYA) project, providing free workshops in schools and inspiring the next generation of artists. We can’t wait to showcase their incredible artwork at Rollington Barn during this year’s Festival and create unforgettable moments that celebrate the energy and diversity of our community.”
February 2, 2025
Funding Success to Bring Henry Purcell’s ‘The Fairy Queen’ to Purbeck
Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) is thrilled to announce that we have secured vital funding from Dorset Council and the Dorset Community Foundation to support our upcoming production of The Fairy Queen. This generous funding will enable us to stage Henry Purcell’s enchanting opera in an accessible and community-driven way, ensuring that audiences of all ages can experience this Baroque masterpiece.
A key part of this exciting production will be the involvement of local schoolchildren, who will not only help design the set but will also perform as part of the chorus. This initiative reflects PAW’s ongoing commitment to inspiring young people through the arts, giving them a unique opportunity to engage with live performance and professional musicians.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from Dorset Council and the Dorset Community Foundation,” said Laurel Hart, Director of Strategic Communications, PAW. “This funding allows us to create an unforgettable cultural experience on our doorstep in Purbeck, and actively involving young people in the creative process. Seeing schoolchildren both on stage and behind the scenes will make The Fairy Queen a truly special community production.”
“It’s a wonderful way to introduce young people to the magic of live opera and the joy of collaborative creativity, inspiring the next generation of performers and artists.”
The performance will take place as part of the 2025 Purbeck Art Weeks Festival, with further details on venue and ticketing to be announced soon.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this magical production to life!
December 30, 2024
Applications Open on 1 January to Exhibit at Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2025
Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) is thrilled to announce that applications to exhibit in the Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2025 will officially open on January 1, 2025. Taking place from May 24 to June 8, 2025, this much-anticipated event is a unique opportunity for local visual artists to showcase their work and connect with Purbeck’s vibrant artistic community.
Reflecting on PAW 2024, one participant shared:
“Overhearing customers’ comments on my artwork has been a huge encouragement and validation to an otherwise very isolated art practice. Selling a piece of artwork before it had even been hung was a particular highlight, but overall, the quality of Purbeck art goes from strength to strength. I feel very proud as an artist to be a part of it.”
Another artist remarked: “It was great to exhibit with other artists and receive such positive feedback from the public, with excellent sales.”
Applications for the 2025 Festival close on January 31, 2025. To learn more about the process and requirements click here.
For inquiries, please contact us at membership@purbeckartweeks.co.uk.
Bursaries Available to Support Local Artists
In line with our mission to foster local talent, PAW is offering bursaries for visual and performing artists to help them advance their creative careers. These grants provide essential financial support and are designed to empower artists across Purbeck.
“PAW’s bursaries go beyond simply offering financial aid; they serve as a catalyst for nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for growth. By supporting artists now, we lay the foundation for a thriving and vibrant cultural landscape in the future.”
– Charlotte Heath, Chair of PAW
Artists interested in applying for a bursary or seeking more information can reach out to info@purbeckartweeks.co.uk.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2025. Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of creativity that makes Purbeck’s arts scene truly special.