Help us buy a Pottery Kiln for the Community

Our project

Set up at the end of 2023 to replace the sadly closed Dorset Centre for Creative Arts, Dorset Craft Workshops is providing courses and workshops in ceramics and other creative arts. You can see what we’re up to on our website!

"Excellent news, really missed the courses and can’t wait to start again!       Thank you to all who have been involved with this it's great news for the community" KA on Facebook

We aim to provide:

• Teaching opportunities for local ceramic artists and makers to earn an income from their craft
• Affordable communal co-working studio space for aspiring artists and makers
• Joy, creative achievement, and therapeutic benefits to the people of Dorset through learning and making.

We had kilns at the old centre but they were very old, expensive to run, and really difficult to move, so we had to leave them behind. We have started classes, but tutors have had to ferry the pots back and forth to their own small kilns which is very inefficient and risks breakages. 

We also really want to set up a resource for local potters, who don't have their own firing capacity, to be able to come in and use our facilities to grow their own creative practices (and perhaps become tutors!) 

We desperately need a new, energy efficient kiln, which will reduce our running costs and environmental impact.

About Us:

We're a Community Interest Company (number 15263773) run by tutors and students at the centre. We're not making any profit at the moment, and are relying on generous donations from our supporters to supplement our income. Our pottery and ceramics courses will be one of the mainstays of our venture and we really need these up and running to ensure the sustainability of the whole project.

Our Rewards 

We will be grateful for any donation however small. Just the price of a cup of coffee or bottle of wine will really help make a difference - it all adds up! If you can afford to contribute a little more we have some great rewards lined up, from unique pieces made by our fantastic tutors, to opportunities to join workshops and courses.

'Thank You' freebee drinks from our amazing neighbours, Potters Café Bistro

Fabulous Wicker Baskets by Mark Vyvyan-Penney 

Pastel Portraits from tutor James Meiklejohn

Mystery pottery piece from one of our talented tutors

Wood Carvings, and Smooth and Decorative Bronze Cast Pendants by Mark Vyvyan-Penney 

Workshops and Courses 

We have a range of exciting things to do, please see our Website for inspiration 

All of the pieces on offer will be made by our tutors. They are pieces that represent what they make best. They will made after the Crowdfunder finishes and can be either posted to you or you can collect them in person by arrangement.