Applications are now open to exhibit during the two week annual summer showcase of art in Purbeck, Dorset, with opportunities for established artists and those who are just starting out.
Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) festival takes place in 2026 from Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 7th June and if artists want to get involved, an application form needs to be submitted by Saturday 31st January 2026.
Rollington Barn is an eclectic exhibition which draws inspiration from the Purbeck landscape and seascape
From painters and sculptors to jewellers and printmakers
The festival offers visitors the chance to discover work by a variety of local artists from painters and sculptors to jewellers and printmakers, at exhibitions and in artists’ own studios, throughout the fortnight.
The main exhibition hub remains at Rollington Barn near Corfe Castle, but returning for the second year will be the use of the National Trust Castle View visitor centre as an exhibition space, within sight of the iconic Corfe Castle ruins.
Applications are open to artists working in all disciplines, whether returning to the festival or taking part for the first time, and the exhibition fee is discounted for students.
The National Trust visitor centre at Corfe Castle will host an exhibition for a second year
Bursary to support developing artists
In 2026, PAW will also be inviting expressions of interest for several specific opportunities, including:
- The Rollington Barn installation – an opportunity to apply to exhibit at one of PAW’s most recognisable venues
- The National Trust with PAW exhibition – offering Purbeck-based artists the chance to exhibit work at the Corfe Castle visitor centre
- PAW artist bursary – supporting artists at key stages in developing their creative practice
Plenty to purchase including paintings, prints and cards
“We love to see creativity thrive and inspire”
Chair of Purbeck Art Weeks festival Charlotte Heath said:
“PAW is about opening doors – to studios, to ideas, and to conversations between artists, community and audiences. We’re really looking forward to welcoming both familiar and new artists into the festival in 2026 and showcasing the extraordinary creative talent found across Purbeck.
“We love to see creativity thrive and inspire – whether that’s through meeting artists in their studios and encountering their work up close at our collective exhibitions, or through our concerts and events programme, which features exceptional live music and performance.
PAW exhibitor Andrew Thomas working on one of his sculptures
“A community that genuinely values what you do”
Andrew Thomas is an award-winning established sculptor and has taken part in PAW over many years. He said:
“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.”
Emerging young talent Pia Elliot
“I love seeing artists sharing new work”
Pen and ink artist Pia Elliot is one of the youngest to exhibit at PAW. She said:
“Purbeck Art Weeks festival is genuinely my favourite two weeks of the year. Purbeck comes alive with creativity – I love seeing artists sharing new work so generously and creating an atmosphere that’s infectious in the best possible way.
“As an emerging artist myself, it’s really special to be part of such a supportive community, bringing together artists of the highest level alongside talented hobbyists and those of us in the early stages of our careers.
“With my creative inspiration rooted in wildlife encounters I’ve experienced in Purbeck, it feels especially meaningful to share my work within this landscape. It’s a wonderful celebration of creativity, where every unique artistic process is valued and enjoyed.”
One of Pia Elliot’s pen and ink drawings
“Showcase a fresh mix of work”
The Castle View and PAW exhibition will take place during the second week of Purbeck Art Weeks festival from 10 am to 4.30 pm, Monday 1st to Sunday 7th June 2026.
Laurel Hart from PAW said:
“We’re delighted to be working with the National Trust again to bring the Castle View exhibition back in 2026, following such a successful run last year.
“Set against the beautiful backdrop of Corfe Castle, the exhibition will showcase a fresh mix of work by both established and emerging Purbeck Art Weeks artists – it’s wonderful to see artists who work across different mediums come together in such a lovely setting.”
Further information
- Full guidance and application details are on the Purbeck Art Weeks website
