The “Apollo-One Giant Leap” project carried out by Dorchester Arts received £15,000 towards their outdoor performance event at Maumbury Rings, Dorchester. The event brought together hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds to a multi-media, participatory celebration which encouraged greater community cohesion through common experience involving local schools, a local composer and community choirs.

Another funded project was Friends of the Lyric Theatre CIC, which received a grant to help support the planning for a community puppet show, to be held in Bridport. A series of workshops and master classes will be led by professional artists, and the resulting performance will involve community participants of all ages and abilities. The project aims to bring the community together, developing new performing arts skills whilst also promoting inclusivity, diversity and new friendships.

Alasdair explained: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to support so many performing arts projects across Dorset. Working with the Foundation and the expert grants panel, we’ve focussed on projects which enrich community life, reach inclusive audiences, support original and collaborative work, and celebrate emerging local talent.  As a next step, the Fund will also provide support to individual performing artists.”