Artsreach Volunteer Celebration 2024

Dorset’s touring arts charity recognised the outstanding contribution of its community volunteers at a special Volunteer Celebration Event at Broadmayne Village Hall.

On Sunday 14 January, over 40 representatives from the wider network of more than 250 volunteers in communities across Dorset gathered together at an event to celebrate and thank them for their continued support. Volunteers work in partnership with Artsreach to host its programme of more than 130 performances, enjoyed by over 10,000 audience members each year, in turn raising more than £30,000 in support of community venues such as village halls.

Following welcome speeches by Executive Director, Kerry Bartlett and Chair of the Artsreach Trustees, David Wood, special recognition was given to those volunteers who been volunteering for Artsreach for more than ten years, and notable thanks was given to one volunteer team who retire from Winterborne Stickland after more than 18 years promoting Artsreach events.

Artsreach Executive Director, Kerry Bartlett, said of the event: “Following the launch of our new spring season and positive news regarding our continued funding from Dorset Council, this event was an important moment allowing us to stop, recognise and celebrate the invaluable efforts that our dedicated team of volunteers go to in bringing our programme of cultural activity to life for the residents of their rural communities.”

Over a veritable feast of coffee and cake, volunteers had the chance to meet, discuss their forthcoming Artsreach events and share tips and ideas.

The Artsreach team were also joined by Dorset Councillor Laura Beddow, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, and Tracy Cooper, Community and Recreation Officer for Cultural Services, who gave sincere thanks on behalf of Dorset Council, reinforcing not only the value of volunteering, but also recognising the important impact cultural events have in rural communities.

Cllr Laura Beddow said "Dorset Council is fiercely proud of our culture sector and I’m delighted that we continue to support Artsreach. It’s a magical organisation and it’s volunteers are all incredible people!"