The future is bright for Dorchester Arts, but it needs help to 'bridge the gap'.

The arts centre in the heart of Dorchester has launched a Crowdfunder appeal to help bridge a funding gap over the coming months.

Exciting plans lay ahead for both the Corn Exchange and the theatre at The Thomas Hardye School, but the ongoing effects of Covid-19, a reduction in local authority funding and a loss of normal income due to the building works, have left a funding gap in 2021.

Mark Tattersall, artistic director, said: "Closing when we did helped us weather the pandemic storm and we are looking forward to bringing outdoor events to Dorchester this summer and then reopening fully in September.

"Plans for improving the town's arts venues are taking shape, but now, like so many other arts organisations, we are facing a funding challenge.

"Please help us 'bridge the gap' to a bright future when we can bring people together through the arts once again."

Dorchester Arts will be taking over the day-to-day running of the whole Corn Exchange building once its completed and there are funds to transform it with new seats, lights, sound and projection equipment, as well as a new community space in the foyer.

The Thomas Hardye School theatre will also be transformed into a high-quality 400 seat venue, which will be used for both public performance and school events.

But it still needs your help in ensuring this bright future for the arts in Dorchester.

The Crowdfunding page is now live and includes a video and more information. It can be found here.

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