The creative arts students of Weymouth College took centre stage on Friday night, delivering an unforgettable and immersive experience at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery with their innovative exhibition and performance event, The Hidden Side of the Museum.
Drawing an audience of over 400 visitors, including professionals from the creative industries, the event was hailed as a resounding success.
The exhibition was the culmination of a dynamic collaboration between students, industry mentors and museum staff, in which participants explored the museum’s vast collection, uncovering powerful narratives surrounding colonialism, trade and overlooked histories.
Their artistic responses, spanning live performances, photography, installation, and interactive works, invited visitors to engage with the museum’s artefacts in new and thought-provoking ways.
Kim Short, Deputy Head of School for Visual Arts at Weymouth College, expressed her pride in the students’ achievements: “The students’ work dissected and reinterpreted the hidden narratives of the collection, displayed alongside the original artefacts. I couldn’t be more proud of what has been achieved!”
A unique approach to work experience
Rather than traditional placements, Weymouth College’s Art Department provides its students with a real-world commissioning brief – this year, an ambitious artistic takeover of Dorset Museum. The project was led by the Friendly Society of Artistic Labourers (FSAL) and guided by industry professionals, including Simon Lee Dicker, founder of OSR Projects and the OD Arts Festival.
As part of their preparation, students engaged in critical analysis of Dorset Museum’s collection. They uncovered stories of colonial legacies, extractive practices and controversial acquisition methods, all with direct connections to Dorset’s history. These discoveries fuelled passionate discussions and inspired their artistic responses.
Each student played a pivotal role in bringing the event to life, whether through research, marketing, installation or performance. Over two weeks of intensive creative workshops, they worked alongside professional artists, blending skills and perspectives across various disciplines to deliver a powerful exhibition.
A night of art, performance & discovery
The event itself transformed Dorset Museum’s galleries into a living artwork. Visitors encountered thought-provoking installations, live performances that intertwined past and present, and interactive pieces challenging conventional perspectives on museums and their narratives.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the students’ ability to breathe new life into historical artefacts and present challenging themes with creativity and sensitivity. The event highlighted the power of storytelling, collaboration, and artistic expression in making history accessible and engaging.
A testament to creativity & dedication
The success of The Hidden Side of the Museum was made possible through the dedication of Weymouth College’s talented students, the guidance of industry mentors, and the unwavering support of Dorset Museum staff.
Kim Short reflected on the impact of the project: “Work experience is a strange term for creative students. How do you provide 130+ individuals with meaningful opportunities that cater to every niche of creative interest? Instead of traditional placements, we create a real-world artistic commission—one that truly prepares them for their future careers.
“I couldn’t be more proud of what was achieved last night. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited or supported us on social media. To the students, who excelled in every aspect of this event. To the artists who supported the ideas and shared their industry knowledge. To the museum staff, who welcomed and supported us throughout. But above all, my deepest gratitude goes to our incredible Creative Industries team, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen.
“What a fantastic team—our students are truly lucky to have such passionate and dedicated mentors guiding their way.”