A bid by Portland Museum to Arts Council England has resulted in an exciting award of £27,600 to research and reveal the dramatic history, myths and legends of Church Ope Cove.

Working in partnership with b-side and help from the local community, the project will lead to greater understanding of the original gateway to the island and enhance the strong community ties built by both bodies. The result of the work will culminate in a legacy for future islanders by improving the sustainability of the museum through increasing footfall, improved interpretation, redesign of its website, and an exciting work of art that will feature in b-side’s 2020 arts festival and beyond.

I’m delighted that Portland Museum have been awarded an arts council grant to grow and diversify their community engagement programme. Both the museum and b-side festival make an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the island and this project will provide the perfect platform for developing exciting new opportunities for  participation, collections development and creative interpretation.

– Vicky de Wit, Museums Advisor for Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole

The project will begin with a series of community workshops led by the very popular Bea Moyes who headed the research into Portland Pathways, last year. Research by local residents will lead to the production of a report which will be drawn upon to inspire a number of imaginative activities including the design by the Island’s children of a donation box to be made by Island community members.

Church Ope Cove is a place often forgotten for its central role in some of the most dramatic and culturally relevant history in the country. The original landing of the first recorded Viking invasion, the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the bay belies its bloody and lawless past. At one time, the only landing point for shipping on the island, its many tales of smuggling and pirates suffuse the local folklore.

We look forward to working with all members of the community to explore, reveal and disclose this vital part of the island’s history.

If you are interested in joining the research group do get in touch:
[email protected]