ARTSREACH, Dorset’s rural touring arts charity, has been voted Best Arts, Culture and Theatre organisation in Somerset, Dorset and Bristol in this year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards, which celebrate independent business across 35 counties throughout the UK. The various organisations and businesses are divided into multiple categories for the public top vote for their favourites.
There were more than half a million votes in the awards, which are in their 12th year, a remarkable indication of how the awards are a reflection of quality and local support.
Founded 35 years ago, Artsreach strives to enrich the lives of people in Dorset by connecting and empowering rural communities through creative and cultural experiences. It does so by working with community volunteers to present a vibrant programme of 150-plus live performance, workshops and events in more than 40 villages and towns across the county.
Kerry Bartlett, Artsreach executive director, says: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Muddy Stilettos award for Best Arts, Culture and Theatre in Dorset, Somerset and Bristol, having been shortlisted alongside some fantastic organisations.
“This award is truly deserved by our dedicated team of community volunteers, without whom Artsreach events simply wouldn’t happen, plus our loyal audiences who support our programme and of course, the incredible touring artists and performers who keep us all entertained and inspired creatively.
“We are so very proud that what this incredible network achieves, and which so often goes under the radar, has been recognised in this way. We would like to thank everyone who voted. Keep your fingers crossed for us at the national awards – we hope to do Dorset proud!”
Artsreach is supported by Arts Council England and Dorset Council, and in 2024-25 alone, the charity invested more than £94,500 in artistic fees, showing significant support to the creative and cultural sector with a programme that reached audiences and participants totalling around 11.000 people. Financially, more than £32,000 was raised and retained by Dorset communities through Artsreach events and, with almost half of audiences travelling less than four miles to attend, over 90% of those surveyed agree that Artsreach helps to reduce loneliness and isolation in rural communities, something of which the charity is very proud.
Regional winners from every category will automatically go through to the national finals, where Muddy Stilettos editors will judge the ‘Best of the Best’ – the national winners for each category will be announced on 25th June.
Pictured: A dance workshop, and children at Broadmayne village hall enjoying a creative workshop; photographs by Jayne Jackson Photography