Artists in Residence Exhibition at Cerne Abbey

Artists in Residence is an open art exhibition at Cerne Abbey in the historic village of Cerne Abbas, Dorset, forming part of Dorset Art Weeks 2026. Set within the medieval Guest House and Pond Garden Studio of this Grade I listed Benedictine estate founded in 987 AD, six artists exhibit and work in residence across sculpture, painting, photography, filmmaking and woodturning.Visitors are invited to explore both finished pieces and works in progress, meet artists working in their spaces and experience contemporary creativity within one of the most historically significant private estates in southern England. The exhibition creates a direct dialogue between contemporary making and over a thousand years of monastic history.Alongside the exhibition, a display of vintage Triumph motorbikes is featured within the abbey grounds, adding a second thread of craftsmanship and character to the afternoon programme. A pop-up cafe serves refreshments throughout opening hours.Cerne Abbey is located in the heart of Cerne Abbas village, within the Dorset National Landscape and close to the famous Cerne Abbas Giant chalk hill figure. The estate is surrounded by the Cerne Valley countryside and is within easy reach of Dorchester, Sherborne and the wider Dorset area.Open daily from 2pm to 5pm, Friday 23 May to Saturday 7 June 2026. Admission: Adults £5, children under 18 free.Visitors are encouraged to combine their visit with a walk through the historic village of Cerne Abbas, including St Mary's Church, St Augustine's Well, Abbey Street and the surrounding countryside. The Cerne Abbas Giant viewpoint is approximately 15 minutes walk from the abbey and makes for a perfect full afternoon out in Dorset during Dorset Art Weeks 2026.