REVEAL COMMISSIONS UNVEILED

FROM TUDORS TO STARGAZING, NEW PROJECTS UNVEILED FOR PORTLAND & WEYMOUTH TOWNS OF CULTURE 

Photo credit: The Other Life I Lead  © Pete Millson

Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture has awarded over £25,000 in Reveal commissions to artists and community groups, supporting bold cultural projects set to take place this autumn and winter.

The commissions are part of Reveal, a year-long programme designed to unearth and celebrate the creativity that thrives in the towns. Funded by Arts Council England through National Lottery Project Grants, and supported by Portland and Weymouth Town Councils, the scheme offered commissions of up to £10,000. The aim is to connect communities, engage new audiences, and highlight local identity through inclusive, accessible, and environmentally responsible projects. 

As we move into the final quarter of 2025, the teams behind Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture are going big with their autumn/winter programme of events, exhibitions, projects and activities.  

The Towns of Culture board are excited to announce the following upcoming projects that have been awarded funding:

• Portland Advent(ure) by Destination Opera & Ed Viney with Voices Unbound - £10,000. A living advent calendar of 12 pop-up performances of theatre and opera in surprising locations across Portland this December, from cafés to sailing centres and pubs to cliff tops!

• YULE BE MERRY by Brave Bold Drama CIC with Dorset Abilities Group - £8,300. Street theatre and a family-friendly festive show at St Nics, Weymouth, blending improvised comedy with pay-what-you-can performances.

• The Other Life I Lead by Diverse City and Coastland College - £1,200 contribution. A music residency (8th to 10th October) amplifying the voices of young queer and disabled people. 

• Bankfest by Bank of Dreams & Nightmares with Dorset schools - £1,000 contribution. A youth writing festival at Weymouth Pavilion (15th to 17th October) exploring literature, identity, and wellbeing.

• ‘Six Go to the Seaside’ by Saint Nic's Gallery – £1,000. A photography exhibition on Weymouth’s identity (7th–10th November).

• ‘Under the Stars’ by the Friends of Rodwell – £1,000. A community stargazing night at Sandsfoot Gardens (29th November), produced by Claudia Webb.

• The Final Journey by Antje Rook with Weymouth Grief Café – £1,000. An exhibition and community project exploring death, grief, and remembrance, including the installation of a “Wind Phone” on Portland.

• Weymouth Tudors at Christmas by Weymouth Area Development Trust – £2,000. A Tudor-style festive celebration at Tudor House Museum, with re-enactments, crafts, and music.