Dorchester Festival invites applications from experienced and inspiring visual artists to lead a large-scale, collaborative art installation in Dorchester Abbey as part of the upcoming festival.

We are developing a community-driven visual arts project that celebrates creativity, participation, and local identity. The final work will be a large hanging installation—approximately 3 metres wide by 5 metres tall—displayed over the steps in The People’s Chapel in Dorchester Abbey during the festival.

The artwork will be composed of many smaller elements created by local schools, community groups, individuals, and, perhaps, festival-goers. These components may take the form of textiles, paper, wood, or found and recycled materials, and will be designed around a central theme of community, collaboration and togetherness.

We are seeking a Lead Artist to design the overall concept, train others to run creative workshops with participants, and bring together the final work in a cohesive and impactful way.

Artist Role:

• Develop an overarching artistic vision and structure for the installation
• Design inclusive workshops with a range of community groups and schools
• Collaborate with festival staff, volunteers, schools, community groups and local partners
• Assemble and install the final piece in Dorchester Abbey

Fee and Timeline:

A project fee will be offered i.r.o £2,000 (dependent on funding confirmation and experience). Funds will be sought to cover materials, artists fees for design and community workshops and installation costs.

The project will take place in the lead-up to the festival, with workshops occurring in spring 2026 and installation completed ahead of the festival’s opening in early May 2026

How to Apply:

Please send the following to festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk by 1^st October 2025 ;

• A short statement of interest outlining your approach to participatory art
• Up to 5 images or links to previous relevant work
• A brief CV highlighting experience with community projects
• Confirmation you have public liability insurance and a current DBS certificate