Project Description

 In 2012 ArtReach delivered two intensive organisational development projects for Dorset County Council (DCC). The work focused on the future structure for and governance of the County Arts Development Service, with potential for a radical transformation in the light of challenging economic circumstances for Local Authorities.

ArtReach worked with the Arts Development team, with DepARTure, with senior County Council officers, and with a range of stakeholders (including Arts Council England, Dorset District Councils, and Dorset Loves Arts consortium) in order to recommend an appropriate long term plan for delivery of the Service.

Alongside this work ArtReach also undertook a Feasibility Study to explore the future use of the Little Keep building in Dorchester, a Grade 2 listed building housing a number of key arts organisations. The output from this work was a Report to DCC Cabinet which subsequently approved the recommendations and has commenced initiating the proposed changes. Dorset Arts Development team and DepARTure will become an independent CIC with a new base at Little Keep, preserving both the well respected Service and the position of the Little Keep building as a hub for arts development and delivery.