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Over £25,000 Awarded in Reveal Commissions to Support New Cultural Projects Across Weymouth and Portland

More than £25,000 has been awarded to local artists and community groups through the Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture Reveal Commissions programme, helping to bring a host of creative projects to life across the two towns this autumn and winter.

The Reveal initiative forms part of a year-long cultural programme designed to uncover and celebrate the rich creativity that thrives in Weymouth and Portland. Funded by Arts Council England through National Lottery Project Grants and supported by Portland Town Council and Weymouth Town Council, the scheme offered grants of up to £10,000 to support innovative, inclusive and environmentally responsible projects.

Each commissioned project aims to bring people together, engage new audiences and shine a light on the unique character and culture of the local area.

As 2025 enters its final quarter, the Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture team is preparing to roll out an ambitious autumn and winter programme packed with events, exhibitions and creative activities.

The Towns of Culture Board has announced the following latest list of projects to receive Reveal funding — all set to make a bold impact on the cultural landscape of Weymouth and Portland in the months ahead

  • 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.