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Headlines 7 Somerset Open Studios Somerset Art Weeks , the county’s annual celebration of art which has been running since 1994, returns for autumn 2025 with its iconic Somerset Open Studios event. Over the past thirty years, SAW has developed a vibrant community of artists and makers throughout Somerset, and this autumn, from the 13th to 28th September, SAW members will once again be opening their studio doors and inviting visitors to see their creative practice in action from behind the scenes. The Somerset Open Studios event presents a rare opportunity to step directly into the working environments of artists, with over 150 venues to visit in all corners of the county, plus a multitude of interactive workshops and talks on offer throughout, including the Family Friendly programme each weekend. The SOS guide will be available at tourist spots and libraries from August, and a digital version and app will be available on the SAW website: somersetartworks.org.uk JOHN GAMMANS Diary Dates THE DORSET OPEN Deadline for entries: 31 August dorsetvisualarts.org/thedorsetopen ‘BROADBEAT’ 6 September eventbrite.co.uk RWA OPEN 172 6 September - 4 January rwa.org.uk B-SIDE BIG WEEKEND 11 - 14 September b-side.org.uk ‘INSIDE OUT’ 12 - 21 September insideoutdorset.co.uk SOMERSET OPEN STUDIOS 13 - 28 September somersetartworks.org.uk EVOLVER MAGAZINE ‘25’ EVENT 14 September evolver.org.uk MITSU TRIO 26 and 27 September concertsinthewest.org VOICE 24 and 25 October concertsinthewest.org MITSU TRIO, 26 and 27 September The Dorset Open Dorset Visual Arts (DVA), in partnership with Dorset Museum & Art Gallery (DMAG), is delighted to launch a brand- new major open art competition. The exhibition is being hosted by DMAG and produced by DVA, with support from Dorchester Arts, Arts in Hospital and Evolver Magazine. Selected fi nalists will have their work exhibited in a professionally curated show at DMAG in Dorchester from 18th October until 30th November 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for artists working in all media to submit work that either captures the essence of the region’s landscape, people, history, or culture or explores their relationship to the area. With an extensive range of prizes and a professional panel of judges, The Dorset Open will appeal to established as well as emerging talent. Entries can be submitted from Tuesday 1st July at 9am. See dorsetvisualarts.org/thedorsetopen for submission details. DORSET MUSEUM & ART GALLERY