A wide range of new art activities will be introduced in Weymouth and Gillingham thanks to a major funding boost.

The Dorset Library Service has been awarded funding of £70,000 from Arts Council England and The National Lottery as part of the Dorset market and coastal towns’ cultural development.

The total project funding is £141,230, with the remainder being made up from partnership match-funding and support in kind. The funding will support a two-year project introducing a wide range of new arts activities Weymouth and Gillingham.

Working with The Arts Development Company, libraries in the two towns will be established as artistic and cultural hubs, offering increased community access to arts and culture.

The project will include developing a partnership arts programme with artist-led activities such as Fun Palaces and Artist Exchanges, to bring residents and communities together. There will be eight paid artist residencies programmes, delivering events for all age groups to take part in. There will also be 16 artist events showcasing programmes for specific community groups and the opportunity for arts promoters to stage shows and exhibitions at the libraries. This cultural offer will be inclusive and community-driven to reflect diversity in the wider communities and span age and gender profiles, including a range of identified priority groups such as adults with dementia.

Cllr Deborah Croney, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for skills and learning, said: "This is such an exciting opportunity and I am really pleased that Arts Council England has awarded this grant for the Dorset market and coastal towns’ innovative project. The libraries will work together with local people and with their partner, The Arts Development Company, to develop exciting arts and cultural activities which will encourage local people to visit their library. Most importantly, local people will be involved in artist residencies, creating artistic content, and taking part in creative events throughout the two years.”

Phil Gibby, area director for the South West, Arts Council England, added: “At the Arts Council we believe that culture can transform lives and so we’re pleased to support this innovative and collaborative project that puts creativity at the heart of communities. This National Lottery-funded investment will enable more people to experience art and culture whilst also addressing disadvantage in literacy, digital skills, mental health and wellbeing, and social isolation.”