ARTSREACH, Dorset’s rural touring arts charity, has been selected to be part of this year’s Big Give: Arts for Impact campaign. From midday on Tuesday 17th March to midday on Tuesday 24th, every pound donated to Artsreach through the Big Give platform will be doubled – meaning twice the support for the charity’s work across Dorset.

Now in its 36th year presenting a variety of arts events across the county, Artsreach brings professional live performances – dance, all genres of music, theatre, comedy and more – workshops and creative projects, plus special events for children, into the heart of rural communities.

These events don’t just provide access to a professional cultural programme – they strengthen wellbeing, tackle rural and social isolation, and give people of all ages the chance to meet, connect and participate within their own communities.

At the heart of Artsreach’s work is its dedicated network of local volunteers, who host events in village halls and community spaces. Each year, more than 11,000 adults and children enjoy Artsreach events, and Dorset communities collectively retain more than £32,000 through ticket sales and local fundraising. This is vital income that helps keep village halls and rural venues thriving.

Director Kerry Bartlett says: “Artsreach remains committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, can experience the joy and connection that arts and cultural events bring. Taking part in the Big Give campaign provides an exciting opportunity for our supporters to make double the impact at a time when it matters most.”

Between 17th and 24th March, you can visit the Artsreach Big Give Arts for Impact Campaign page to make a donation: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000AdCBdYAN

Other local arts and cultural organisations in the 2026 Big Give include: Tobacco Factory Arts Trust –  transforming young Bristol lives through the arts, Chew Valley Performing Arts – the Chew Valley Hoard comes alive with Valley Arts, Bridport Arts Centre – Igniting Imagination,  Minehead and Exmoor Music Festival Society – for the festival reserve fund, Bristol Old Vic and Theatre Royal Trust Ltd – expanding access to theatre for Bristol’s Youth, Purbeck Art Weeks Festival – for music and events, Royal West of England Academy Bristol – for RWA futures: creating the leaders of tomorrow, Fluid Motion Theatre Company at Totton Creative Hub – a creative home to help young minds thrive, Minstead Trust [New Forest] – for Help Us To Take Centre Stage, Hampshire’s first performing arts skills centre for adults with learning disabilities, Bristol Improv Theatre – for Improv for Impact, helping to combat social isolation and low self esteem, Travelling Light Theatre Co Bristol – for drama sessions for disabled children, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – for Bristol Recovery Orchestra, run in conjunction with Bristol Drugs Project, Bristol Pride – for festival costs.

For more information, including about environmental and conservation projects, visit donate.biggive.org