🗓️ Saturday 24th May – Sunday 8th June 2025
Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) is back for another year this spring.
Renowned as the Isle of Purbeck’s premier community art event, it’s a chance for local artists to show their work at exhibitions and by opening their studios to the public.
One of the main highlights is the annual collective exhibition at Rollington Barn, near Corfe Castle, which showcases the latest work from artists living, working or studying in Purbeck.
The festival has an additional programme of events, which includes concerts, performances and workshops.
“We’re excited to bring another inspiring programme of exhibitions, concerts, talks, open studios, performances, and workshops to Purbeck this year, bringing together the best of local and international talent.
“From stunning visual arts to world-class music performances, Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) continues to celebrate the rich cultural landscape of Purbeck.
“PAW is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of creativity, community and connection.
“Every year we welcome thousands of visitors to experience the incredible talent in Purbeck, from fine art and ceramics to unforgettable musical performances.
“We are also delighted that The Lulworth Estate will be sponsoring the festival once again this year.”
LAUREL HART Strategic Communications Director, PAW
Don’t forget to check out the various local galleries across Swanage and Purbeck during the festival, as they all get involved in supporting our talented local artists too.
Visit the PAW website to see who’s exhibiting this year: www.purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk
Programme of concerts & other events for 2025
Saturday 24th May
Concert: Apollo’s Cabinet
A fascinating exploration of 18th Century Baroque theatre music with London-based baroque band Apollo’s Cabinet.
- Venue: Lady St Mary Church, Wareham
- Start time: 6pm
Wednesday 28th May
Storytelling Workshop
Workshop for children led by acclaimed travel writer Nick Jubber.
- Timings: 10.30am – 11.30am
- Suitable for: Children aged 4 – 8
- Venue: The Mowlem
Friday 30th May
Concert: Palestrina 500
A tribute to one of the greatest Renaissance composers, marking 500 years since Palestrina’s birth, from Grammy award-winning group, Stile Antico.
- Start time: 6pm
- Venue: Lady St Mary Church, Wareham
Saturday 31st May
Singing Workshop
An opportunity for singers of all levels to refine their skills in a workshop led by singers from early music vocal ensemble Stile Antico.
- Timings: 10:30am-12:30pm
- Venue: Lady St Mary Church, Wareham
Saturday 31st May
Concert & Talk: Handel’s Art & Ensemble Augelletti
A fascinating talk on Handel’s art collection, followed by a concert from Ensemble Augelletti with countertenor Alex Chance (BBC New Generation Baroque Ensemble).
- Talk start time: 1:45pm
- Concert start: 2.30pm
- Venue: Lady St Mary Church, Wareham
Saturday 31st May
Concert: Love After the Storm
Performance by Sarabande, with Sam Boden, Hilary Cronin and Katie Bray.
Love After the Storm is a collection of French cantatas from the salons of Rameau and his contemporaries.
- Start time: 5:30pm
- Venue: Lady St Mary Church, Wareham
Saturday 31st May
Concert: Finnish Mythology through Music
A musical exploration of Finnish mythology by Ensemble Gamut and Aino Peltomaa, where medieval sounds are mixed with electronics.
- Start time: 9:30pm
- Venue: Lady St Mary Church, Wareham
Sunday 1st June
Concert: Cubaroque
A fusion of early and modern Argentinian sounds, with guitarist Toby Carr, lutenist Liz Kenny & tenor Nicholas Mulroy.
- Start time: 2pm
- Venue: St Edward’s Church, Corfe Castle
Monday 2nd June
Poetry Open Mic
Poetry open mic night at The Legion with Swanage-based poet Martin Hobdell.
- Start time: 7.30pm
- Venue: Swanage RBL
Wednesday 4th June
Writing Workshop
Writing workshop for adults with travel writer Nick Jubber.
- Timings: 6pm – 7pm
- Venue: The Mowlem
Thursday 5th June
Coffee Concert
- Start time: 10.15am
- Venue: Encombe House
Friday 6th June
Author Talk
Talk by award-winning writer Nick Jubber.
- Start time: 7pm
- Venue: The Mowlem
Saturday 7th June
Performance: Echoing Air – The Fairy Queen
A picnic performance of Henry Purcell’s semi-opera The Fairy Queen, featuring local primary school students.
- Start time: 4pm
- Venue: Careys Secret Garden, Wareham
Find the full festival programme, along with ticket information, on the PAW website.
You can also pick up a brochure or follow the festival on social media: www.facebook.com/PurbeckArtWeeks/
Information for Artists
If you’re an artist and would like to exhibit at Purbeck Art Weeks or open your studio, you can find all the information you need online: members.purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk
You don’t have to be a professional, working artist. Many members are hobby artists, and PAW is a very friendly and welcoming way to dip your toe in the water at exhibiting. You just need to live, work or study in Purbeck to be eligible to become a member.
The main exhibition at Rollington is ideal for new artists who want to show a limited amount of work, as well as for established artists to showcase their art as a taster before viewers visit your studio.
Studios are often shared between artists, meaning there’s a greater variety of work at one location for your audience, and great mutual support amongst your fellow exhibitors.
Applications are open throughout the month of January, prior to the festival start.
Contact details
The team at PAW are happy to answer any queries via email:
- General enquiries: info@purbeckartweeks.co.uk
- Events enquiries: events@purbeckartweeks.co.uk
- Become a member: membership@purbeckartweeks.co.uk
Follow festival updates on social media: https://www.facebook.com/PurbeckArtWeeks/
