Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is a really lovely way to explore Norfolk as it takes you to places you might not otherwise visit.” Visitor comment, June 2018

“Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. Look forward to returning another year. Thank you. All the artists were most welcoming and generous about sharing their knowledge.”

Visitor comment, June 2018

Calling all Norfolk artists

Be part of Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2019

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios
Will Teather in his studio at Muspole Workshops. Credit: Will Teather

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

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios will be celebrating its 25th year in 2019 and will run from Saturday 25 May to Sunday 9 June.

Each year hundreds of artists take part in the scheme, inviting the public into their studios to reveal how and where they work. The event annually attracts thousands of visitors and in 2018 more than 36,000 people flocked to studios across Norfolk.

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios enables artists to promote and sell their work directly to visitors who can see artwork as it happens in the studio.

During Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2018, 460 artists participated across 256 venues – along with 16 Norfolk schools. Throughout the county artists came together to create 15 Art Trails, allowing visitors to enjoy several studios in one day. Art demonstrations, private views, workshops and talks also make up this key event.

Ros Dixon, Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios Administrator, said: “It’s wonderful to think that Norfolk &Norwich Open Studios will be in it’s 25th year in 2019. It goes to show that the scheme has a timeless appeal for both artists and visitors.

“It’s not just about buying and selling work directly from the artist, which of course is one of the appeals, but it also offers artists the chance to meet and talk with people who are interested in their work.

“Many artists also enjoy being able to meet and work with other artists, which for some has resulted in long- term collaborations and friendships. Being able to see artists at work in unique working spaces will continue to fascinate and appeal to people, whether the artist has been taking part in Open Studios for 25 years orwhether it’s their first time.”

Barrington Farm Artists. Credit: Barrington Farm Artists

Internationally renowned artists as well as artists new to the scheme take part each year and for many, taking part is not just about selling artwork.

Artists also take part in the scheme to join a wider community of artists which helps to bring their work to new and diverse audiences, opening up discussions about their practice.



North Norfolk artist Amelia Mills, who took part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios for the first time this year, said: “I’ve met some wonderful people – other local artists included. Lots of new and old faces andplenty of sales, which was great.”

Sarah Ballard, curator at Barrington Farm, said: “We have taken part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios every year since 1994. It is an important and much anticipated event in our year as it gives each of our artists the opportunity to display their work, to meet the general public, talk about their work and possibly make a sale.

“It is great for us to be involved, as we can invite friends, family and colleagues to the exhibitions and build on existing relationships with our community.”

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2019 will take place between Saturday 25 May and Sunday 9 June 2019. 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 2019, one of the largest annual art exhibitions held at the venue.

Applications opened on Friday 26 October and close on Friday 7 December 2018.

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

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is a 16-day county-wide celebration of the arts and a key event inNorfolk’s visual arts calendar. Artists across the region take part each year, inviting the public into theirprivate studios to reveal where and how they work. The event attracts thousands of visitors and in 2018 an estimated 36,000 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. Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is run by Norfolk & Norwich Festival as one of its initiatives. The Festival manages Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios in partnership with and for the benefit of Norfolk artists and makers.

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2019 – celebrating 25 years

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios has evolved and grown from its beginnings back in 1994, when it started as a new art initiative run by the already established Norfolk & Norwich Festival. In the beginning it was called a ‘Visual Arts Week’ and during that first Visual Arts Week 49 studios and 15 galleries took part.Over the following 25 years this celebration of Norfolk’s Visual Arts and Artists has grown, with open studios becoming it’s defining feature.