A closer look at our selection process and what defines York Open Studios

For many years, we have relied on a panel of independent judges to review applications, ensuring that the selection process remains impartial and transparent. Each year, we appoint three experts from different artistic fields, carefully chosen from outside of York to provide fresh perspectives and maintain fairness. Our judges are not informed about who has participated in York Open Studios previously and focus solely on the work submitted, basing their judgments on the quality of the current applications rather than on any prior work or merits. This ensures that the judging process remains unbiased and thoughtfully considered.

This year saw a significant increase in applications, and each submission was given careful consideration. As in previous years, there is no cap to the number of accepted artists or to the number of artists in each area of expertise. Each year, we are inspired by the quality of work submitted, but we understand that not being selected can be disappointing.

At York Open Studios, we have always interpreted “Open Studios” as the opportunity for artists to literally open their studio doors to the public. This allows visitors to experience not only the finished artworks but also the creative process, personal studio spaces, and the environment in which art is made. Our mission is to foster meaningful connections between artists and the community through these personal, studio-based experiences.

It’s important to clarify that “Open Studios” refers to the openness of artists sharing their creative spaces, not an “open to all” event in the sense that anyone can automatically participate. We believe in showcasing a curated selection of artists who represent a broad range of mediums, styles, and techniques, all while ensuring they have a suitable space to open their studio to the public. This structure helps us maintain the quality and integrity of the experience for both artists and visitors.

While we strongly encourage collaboration, networking, and creativity within the local arts community, we also aim to stay true to the event’s purpose of showcasing a curated selection of artists who will be opening their studios to the public.

We understand that not being selected can be disheartening, and we want to express our empathy for those artists who were not chosen this year. Your contributions to the arts in York are incredibly valuable, and we encourage you to continue engaging with York Open Studios in future years. Not being selected does not diminish the quality or significance of your work, and we look forward to seeing how your artistic journey progresses.

As York Open Studios continues to grow, we are committed to ensuring it remains a positive and inclusive platform for artists. We are actively exploring ways to manage this growth sustainably, ensuring that we can continue to provide a high-quality experience for both participating artists and visitors alike. We will keep you informed of any future developments as we work to maintain the event’s core values while celebrating the creative talent that makes York Open Studios so special.

We welcome feedback from all artists because we are always looking for ways to improve the process and experience for everyone involved. Please feel free to reach out to us by emailing info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk if you would like to give us any feedback. We also encourage everyone to stay connected with the wider York arts community through future exhibitions, collaborations, and events.

York Open Studios is organised and run entirely by volunteers – with nearly all of us with full-time jobs and other commitments. We work hard throughout the year, driven by our passion for the arts and our commitment to supporting York’s creative community.

We ask for understanding and respect for the effort we put in as we balance our personal and professional lives with the demands of organising this event.

We are incredibly excited about what’s in store for York Open Studios 2025. We believe this year will be another vibrant celebration of creativity, and we encourage everyone – artists and art lovers alike – to join us in fostering a positive, supportive atmosphere. Together, we can continue to celebrate the incredible talent that York has to offer.