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Makers and creators invited to take part in Norfolk Open Studios 2023
Applications are now open for makers and creators from across Norfolk to take part in Norfolk Open Studios.
The scheme annually sees hundreds of artists opening their studios to the public to share their creative processes – and for the third year running the event will take place in early autumn.
Now, artists are invited to apply to take part in the 2023 event which will take place between 23 September and 8 October.
Artists at all stages of their careers are invited to take part, from school and college students through to emerging artists and groups and established and professional creators and makers.
As well as opening their studios many artists get together to host art trails, events and demonstrations throughout the county.
Ros Dixon, Norfolk Open Studios Administrator, said: “We are excited to be launching our call out to artists. It only seems like yesterday when we were all enjoying Norfolk Open Studios 2022, and yet here we are, already starting the call out for artists to take part in this year’s scheme!
“Now held in the autumn, the scheme has run for almost 30 years, and it continues to be a great way for participants to meet the public, share work and skills, and to also link-up with fellow artists.
“It’s an exciting time when preparations begin and we’re looking forward to hearing from the artists and schools who want to take part.”
The free event annually attracts thousands of visitors who travel throughout Norfolk to meet the county’s artists. Last year more than 290 artists took part across 218 studios and schools.
For visitors it’s a chance to see makers and creators at work in their studios, garages, spare rooms, garden rooms, community spaces and schools, getting an insight into how and where they work – and maybe having a go at getting creative themselves.
It gives artists the chance to meet and talk with the public about their work, to feel part of a local, creative community and to sell directly to an interested arts audience.
The scheme is open to all artists from painters, sculptors, weavers and furniture makers to jewellery makers, wood workers, ceramicists, textile artists and anyone practising their craft throughout the county.
Caroline Chouler-Tissier, an artist working in clay, glass, and bronze, took part in Norfolk Open Studios last year. She said: “I applied to take part in Norfolk Open Studios before I’d even moved to Norwich. I graduated from the Royal College of Art in London that June having studied an MA in Ceramics and Glass.
“Applying optimistically gave me a great focus, knowing I had to have my work space ready for people to view my work by September was really helpful.
“The event gave me a way to meet other artists and neighbours and setting up the exhibition and studio space gave me an opportunity to reflect on my work in the new surroundings.
“I offered to do a demonstration at Undercroft Gallery in Norwich and also took part in the Native Creative. Jumping straight into the opportunities around Norfolk Open Studios has given me momentum and direction within the creative culture of East Anglia.”
Woodworker David Bartram from The Arboretum Gallery in Heckingham said: “I have taken part in Norfolk Open Studios since the lockdown and before. It is brilliant when people drop into our gallery and workshop and there is always a spike in visitors during the event.
“Not everyone buys but I look more on this time as an opportunity to chat to visitors and show them new pieces of work, most visitors like a tour round the workshop too. They will chat with friends about what they have seen, and it is a fantastic way of showing your work without going anywhere.
“I am certainly looking forward to this year’s Norfolk Open Studios.”
Norfolk Open Studios welcomes applications from all artists, groups of artists and schools – people wishing to take part can apply online or download an application form from the scheme’s website.
A visitor to last year’s event said: “Discovering great artists who practically live on my doorstep! I wouldn’t have known about them otherwise.’
Another said: “Thoroughly enjoyable. A fabulous experience year on year.”
Artists taking part will receive a profile and artwork image in the NOS brochure, a website listing (which remains published on the website for up to a year), as well as posters and postcards to publicise their involvement. They will have the opportunity to take part in the Preview exhibition at The Forum in Norwich, one of the largest annual art exhibitions held at the venue.
They will also be invited to network meet ups with fellow artists and have the opportunity to run or be part of an artist art trail, workshop or event as part of Norfolk Open Studios.
Applications open on Tuesday 28 February and close on Friday 7 April 2023.
For more information or to apply visit www.norfolkstudios.org.uk or email [email protected] or call 01603 877762.
Norfolk Open Studios
For 16 days each year, the award-winning Norfolk Open Studios celebrates the county’s artists and their achievements by offering them the opportunity to open their doors to the public to exhibit, sell and talk about their work.
Norfolk Open Studios has established itself as one of the largest and most successful open studios schemes in the country. It gives visitors the opportunity to see new art, meet artists, and – with many of the works on display being for sale – to buy original artworks directly from their creators.
Studios are free to visit and visitors don’t need to book in advance, unless they are a large group.
Norfolk Open Studios is run by Norfolk & Norwich Festival as one of its initiatives. The Festival manages Norfolk Open Studios in partnership with Norfolk artists and makers. It is distinct from the annual Norfolk & Norwich Festival which takes place in May each year.
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