🗓️ Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 7th June 2026
Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) is back for another year this spring.
The two-week festival showcases local artists through joint exhibitions, open studios, workshops and community art events.
One of the main highlights is the annual collective exhibition at Rollington Barn, near Corfe Castle, highlighting select works by 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
You can check out the various local galleries across Swanage and Purbeck during the festival, as many get involved in supporting PAW artists too.
Visit the Purbeck Art Weeks website to see who’s exhibiting this year: www.purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk
Programme of Concerts & Events
- Saturday 23rd May: Opening Night Concert with I Fagiolini, Lady St Mary’s Church, Wareham, 6pm
- Sunday 24th May: Parnassus Ensemble with artist JĂ©rĂ©mie Queyras, Lady St Mary’s Church, Wareham, 6pm
- Tuesday 26th May: Talk: Creative Relationships – Artists in Purbeck 1900-1950, with Russell-Cotes curator Dr Gill Clarke, Kingston Country Courtyard, 7pm
- Wednesday 27th May: Adventures with Flying Beasties – children’s workshop (ages 4 – 8) with Nick Jubber, Wareham Youth Centre, 10.30am – 11.30am
- Friday 29th May: Concert: CHALK: Songs for the South West, Sandy Hill Arts, 7pm
- Saturday 30th May: Medieval vocal workshop, Wareham United Reformed Church, 11am – 1pm
- Saturday 30th May: Concert: A Musical Portrait of Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, Wareham URC, 2pm
- Saturday 30th May: Concert: Fieri Consort, Freeing the Muse, Lady St Mary’s Church, Wareham, 6pm
- Saturday 30th May: Concert: Toby Carr, solo lute, Softest Thunder album launch) Lady St Mary, Wareham, 8.30pm
- Sunday 31st May: Concert: Grace Newcombe & Elizabeth Sommers Alysoun, medieval music & song, St Peter’s Church, Church Knowle, 3pm
- Monday 1st June: Open mic poetry night with Purbeck Poets, Swanage RBL, 7.30pm
- Friday 5th June: ‘Concert Adventure’: The Whispering Dome, The Mowlem, 6pm
- Saturday 6th June: Concert: Handel’s arias with Guy Cutting, St James’ Church, Kingston, 6pm
- Tuesday 30th June: Concert: Purbeck Young Musicians, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 7pm
Find all the latest festival updates, including concert tickets 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/
