Cultural attractions have received a huge boost as Arts Council England almost doubles its investment in Dorset.

Three organisations have joined the National Portfolio for the first time – the Tank Museum, Swanage-based Diverse City and Borough of Poole Museum Service, a consortium which includes Dorset County Museum in Dorchester.

It comes as Arts Council England pledges to invest more money than ever before outside London. As well as the three organisations added to the National Portfolio – which secures funding from 2018 to 2022 – there are a further eight which will continue to be supported on the same level as 2017/18.

These are Bridport Arts Centre, b-side Multimedia Festival CIC, Pavilion Dance South West Ltd, Artsreach, Activate Performing Arts, Bournemouth Borough Council – Bournemouth Arts by the Sea, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Poole Arts Trust Limited (Lighthouse).

Together, the 11 organisations will received a total of £4.8m in funding over the four years.

Across the south west there are 103 organisations in the National Portfolio, with funding worth £109m.

Phil Gibby, area director, South West, Arts Council England, said: “We are delighted to be able to renew our funding to organisations in Dorset and are proud to be welcoming three new and diverse organisations who will significantly widen the reach across Dorset and beyond.

“Diverse City are a nationally significant champion of inclusive arts practice and have an exceptional track record reflecting the voices of marginalised communities; Poole Museum Service is an exemplary consortium model delivering great cultural experiences to a broad range of audiences across the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire; and the Tank Museum will reach new and different audiences with cultural experiences.”

Diverse City said they were delighted to be included in the National Portfolio. The group aims to remove barriers which prevent people from all sections of society getting involved in the arts.

Jamie Beddard, joint artistic director said “This marks a sea change for Diverse City, Extraordinary Bodies, and more specifically, the talents, aspirations and opportunities for disabled and diverse artists.“

He added “Our journeys have taken a significant turn allowing us to act, dream and influence big. Much work to be done and responsibility to be taken, but alongside our partners - old, new and yet to be found - we can make the changes we have advocated for, started and are desperately needed in the sector and beyond.”