Open Studios - What does that mean?

It sounds like a place, but in fact ‘Open Studios’ describes an event. Briefly, it describes a period of time during which a number of artists agree to open their normally private studios and workplaces to the public. Sometimes this is a small event within one building, but more usually it is an event spread across a town or geographical region.

The aim of Open Studios is to provide artists with an opportunity to show and sell work, but equally important is the opportunity to encourage a wider audience to enjoy art. The advantage for the public is the direct access to the artist in action, and the chance to discuss and learn about techniques in an informal setting.

Open Studios events are usually organised by artists along co-operative lines, sometimes with support from local authorities or businesses. One common factor in all of them is their wide variety. The workshops and studios take many shapes and forms, ranging from independent artists working from home to partnerships sharing rented commercial studio space. The work on view may include anything from painting, sculpture, ceramics, craft disciplines, design, photography - the list goes on. It might be shown in urban or rural settings, and the artists who make it range from those who earn their living full-time from their work to those who earn their main income from other sources. Open Studios are normally an inclusive event - open to all committed artists, without selection process.

This certainly describes South East Open Studios (SEOS) - an annual event that is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2006. The event has grown steadily over this time, from the first year in which 46 artists in West Kent took part, to this year, when the illustrated guide will feature over 250 entries from artists spread across Kent and East Sussex.

A free, full-colour illustrated guidebook with artists’ directory and map will be available from public libraries and tourist offices from May or the Website: www.southeastopenstudios.org.uk

Photographs include image by Liz Garnett.