March 1, 2024
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A sneak peek at what’s coming up during Purbeck Art Weeks Festival!


This article featured in Love it Local’s Spring Issue 2024.

Purbeck Art Weeks Festival (25 May – 9 June) is just around the corner and the team are busy gearing up for another exciting annual celebration of creativity in Purbeck. You can expect an array of experiences, from eclectic exhibitions to Open Studios, captivating concerts and events, and even some surprises sprinkled along the way. 

Prepare to be immersed in artistic wonder as painters, sculptors, textile artists, metalworkers, glass artists, woodworkers, ceramicists and more eagerly throw open their studio doors to welcome you. Rollington Barn, nestled near Corfe Castle, will be a buzzing hub throughout the two weeks, hosting our eclectic collective exhibition, featuring eight new artists this year, as well as artwork created by young people participating in our Purbeck Young Artists programme. Here, amidst the exciting artworks, you’ll also find our wonderful stewards ready to tell you more about what else you can do and see. And be sure to check out ‘The Spirit of Rollington’, – an intriguing installation by artist Charlotte Fereday, where you can even become part of the artwork itself.

And speaking of surprises, keep your senses sharp for the mysterious Water Bottle Tree – a sculpture by Robert Marshall. It’ll be popping up in Purbeck during PAW! Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for clues and updates.

PAW Festival is not just about the visual arts. We also come alive with a series of enchanting concerts and events, promising unforgettable musical experiences against the backdrop of Purbeck’s beauty. From brass flourishes to soul-stirring vocal performances, there’s something for every music lover. 

We have a full programme which includes I Fagiolini singing works by Benevoli and Monteverdi on 27 May, the Fieri Consort with ‘Dawn Chorus’ on 31 May, followed by award winning soprano Helen Charlston and Toby Carr (theorbo) who bring a selection of Dowland’s songs and more to us on 7 June. The Purbeck Poets will host their open mic poetry night in the Globe Inn on 3 June, and back by popular demand we close the Festival with the fantastic Gesualdo, vocal ensemble on 8 June. Tickets to all of our events and concerts will be available on our website. 

We are also delighted that our PAW President and distinguished sculptor Philip Jackson will be speaking on The Changing Face of Beauty on 29 May. Do come along to what will be a fascinating, insightful evening.

So, whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or simply looking for some inspiration, join us as we celebrate creativity in all its forms. We look forward to seeing you on the Festival trail! 

Laurel Hart

Director of Strategic Communications, Purbeck Art Weeks Festival