www.nnopenstudios.org.uk

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios celebrates its 25th year in 2019.

One of the most successful Open Studios schemes in the country is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with more than 430 artists flinging open their studio doors to the public.

The 16-day celebration of Norfolk’s artistic community runs from Saturday 25 May to Sunday 9 June 2019.

The free event will see artists throughout the county opening their doors to the public to exhibit, sell and talk about their work and practice.

Having established itself as one of the largest 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.

This year 430 artists will be taking part in the scheme across 250 venues.

The event annually attracts thousands of visitors and in 2018 more than 36,000 people flocked to studios across Norfolk.

Numerous associated trails take place, 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 2019 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.”

Internationally renowned artists as well as artists new to the scheme take part each year.

North Norfolk artist Amelia Mills, who took part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios for the first time in 2018, said: “I met some wonderful people – other local artists included. Lots of new and old faces and plenty ofsales, 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.”

One visitor last year said: “Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is a really lovely way to explore Norfolk as ittakes you to places you might not otherwise visit.”

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2019 will take place between Saturday 25 May and Sunday 9 June 2019. For more information please visit www.nnopenstudios.org.uk

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2019

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.

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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.