Applications are set to open for artists across Norfolk to take part in one of the most successful Open Studios schemes in the country. 

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2018 – one week left to apply!

Each year hundreds of artists across the region take part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios, inviting the public into their studios to reveal where and how they work.

The event annually attracts thousands of visitors and this year an estimated 28,000 people flocked to studios across Norfolk.

The scheme enables artists to promote and sell their work as well as to meet visitors who can see artwork as it happens in the artist’s studio.

This year 515 artists participated in the scheme across 254 venues – along with 13 Norfolk schools. And across the county artists came together to create 17 Art Trails, allowing visitors to enjoy several studios in one day. Art demonstrations, private views, workshops and talks also make up this well-loved event.

Ros Dixon, Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios Administrator, said: “Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios has been celebrating the diversity and talent of the county’s visual artists for over twenty years.

“Alongside the opportunity to showcase and sell their work directly, many artists also enjoy the benefits of networking that have resulted in long-term collaborations and friendships, and see Open Studios as a key moment in their calendar.

“It’s always exciting to see the work and the working spaces of the artists who take part, whether they are new to the scheme or have been participating since the beginning.”

Internationally renowned artists as well as artists showing their work for the first time join the scheme each year and for many, taking part is not just about selling artwork.

Artists also take part in the scheme as it helps them feel part of their local artist community, it spreads word about their practice and they have the chance to obtain direct visitor feedback.

Reepham based artist Emily Longhurst, who took part in the scheme for the first time this year, said: “This was my first year participating in Open Studios and I found it a really enjoyable and worthwhile experience.”

Berni Marfleet, an artist based in North Norfolk, who has been taking part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios for a number of years, said: “There are always delightful surprises with the people you meet, and the reaction and feedback not only boosts confidence but gives one new ideas and avenues to pursue.”

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2018 will take place between 26 May and 10 June 2018.

Artists wanting to take part can apply online at nnopenstudios.org.uk.

The cost for inclusion in the scheme is £110 for individual artists, £300 for groups of artists and £110 for schools. This includes a listing in the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios brochure with a print run of 35,000.

Artists will also receive a listing on the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios website, as well as posters and postcards to publicise their involvement. They will have the opportunity to take part in the high profile Central Taster Exhibition at The Forum in Norwich in April 2018, one of the largest annual art exhibitions held at the venue.

Applications to apply to take part in NNOS 2018 open on 27 October and close on 8 December 2017.

For more information please visit www.nnopenstudios.org.uk, or email [email protected] or call Ros Dixon on 01603 877762.

 

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is a 16-day county-wide celebration of the arts and a key event in Norfolk’s visual arts calendar. Artists across the region take part each year, inviting the public into their private studios to reveal where and how they work. The event attracts thousands of visitors and in 2017 an estimated 28,000 people visited studios across the county. Art lovers and curious first timers alike tour the county enjoying this special opportunity to find out more about where and how artists work as well as buy artwork directly from the artist. Artists have the opportunity to promote their work and meet their audience, and visitors see artwork as it happens, away from traditional gallery spaces.

“A truly brilliant event. The standard seems to get higher and higher each year. Always someone new to discover – though it’s equally exciting to return to an artist you’ve visited previously, to see how their work has developed” Visitor comment, June 2017 

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is delivered by Norfolk & Norwich Festival as an organisation, in partnership with and for the benefit of Norfolk artists.