We were unable to hold either the Dorset Arts and Crafts Association (DACA) Summer Exhibition or Christmas Fair in 2020. We hope that everyone who would have been involved has stayed safe and well.
We are very much hoping to be able to stage a DACA event in August 2021. It is likely to be different from our usual summer exhibition, and we will say more as soon as our plans are finalised. It will be at Purbeck School, Wareham and will run from 6th to 10th August 2021 – save the date!
In the meantime, we would encourage you to regard DACA as the hub of the arts and crafts community within Dorset. Whether as an individual or an organisation, we would love to hear about what you are doing and to see pictures of your work.
We will be adapting the Hub to include details of online art and craft events and tutorials. Please send any suggestions for inclusion in the Hub pages to editor@dorsetartsandcrafts.org
We would be delighted if you would like to Support us financially in these difficult times.
Q: Will you be offering an extension to membership?
A: Yes. Membership has been extended by a full year. Members due to renew at the end of June 2020 now do not need to renew until the end of June 2021. Members joining in 2021 do not need to renew until the end of June 2022.
Update: we have not yet made a decision about member subscriptions for 2021/22. This depends, in part, on whether we are able to hold an event in summer 2021.
Q: My membership gives me discounts at some local shops. Are these still available?
A: We are aware that most shops offering discounts to DACA members are currently closed in accordance with the lockdown instructions. It is possible that some may offer discounts on online purchases, but this is a matter for the individual shop.
Q: I have already started work on my entries for the 2020 exhibition. Will I be able to enter these into the 2021 exhibition, or are you planning any significant changes to what types of work can be entered?
A: We are not planning any significant changes – we look forward to seeing your work in 2021.
Update: We are now planning a different type of event for 2021, but intend to return to our usual summer exhibition format in 2022. We are not planning any significant changes to the type of work that can be entered.
Q: Will the member challenge image be the same for 2021?
A: Yes, we will use the image already published for this year.
Q: I won a trophy in 2019. Should I return it to you now?
A: Please keep it until 2021. If this causes you a problem, please contact the entries secretary, Celia Morris, entries@dorsetartsandcrafts.org for guidance.
Q: What should I do with the exhibition flyers that I have been given to distribute?
A: Please put these in your recycling bin. We will have new flyers printed for 2021.
Q: I want to apply for the DACA grant for 2021. When will I be able to do this?
A: We will not be inviting applications for the DACA Grant 2021 at present. A significant part of the funds for the grant is raised at the Summer Exhibition and at the Christmas Fair, so the funds available will be reduced as a result of the cancellation.
Q: Will you be holding the Christmas Craft Fair in Wimborne?
A: The 2020 Christmas Fair fell victim to the Covid-19 situation. Details of the 2021 Christmas Fair will be released as soon as possible.