See the FAQ responses by clicking a question.
What is York Open Studios?
York Open Studios is an annual community arts event which represents the best of artists and makers living or working within a ten-mile radius of the city, each year York Open Studios provides an opportunity for the public to visit artists’ studios and workshops.
Where is York Open Studios?
The event takes place in York and its surrounding areas. Many artists open their doors to invite the public into their workspaces, some artists will share venues or exhibit their work in other spaces available to them if their workshops are not. Artists who are not in their own workspace may display a selection of tools and materials or even demonstrate their skills to give you a more ‘Open Studio’ experience when you visit.
When does the next York Open Studios event take place?
The next event will be over two weekends - 15/16 and 22/23 April 2023 10am - 5pm. Some artists will be open on Friday 14th April for a preview - check their individul listings to find out more
What type of work is exhibited throughout the event?
There are a wide variety of artists and makers working across a range of disciplines such as ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, wood-carving, paper, furniture and multi-media. Each year we show the work of selected current third year degree students from York College University Centre and York St John University for our Student Showcase. Alongside these we are showing the work of three multi-media artists, creating interactive and installation art; Sam Edward, Peter Baker, and Jade Blood
How do I find out where artists are exhibiting?
There are lots of ways you can find out information about artists who have been selected to take part in York Open Studios. We produce a Directory and update the website each year to provide full information regarding the event, illustrating details of participating artists, including their medium and a map of York and its surrounding areas which highlight where you will be able to visit them.
You can find the directory in libraries, shops and galleries all over York in the weeks before York Open Studios. You can also follow our pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram which regularly feature artists in the run up to the event.
Click here to see our interactive map
Click here to download a PDF directory
Our venues
All our venues are permanently used by at least one artist ehibiting in the space to create their work. Venues range from studios to workshops, summerhouses, living rooms and gardens. Some artists do not have a space that they can open to the public safely, so they join with other artists in their spaces.
We don't allow hired/borrowed venues or temporary spaces, unless the artist is the recipient of one of our bursaries or a student entry.
How do I get the most up to date information about York Open Studios?
The most immediate way of staying in up to date with York Open Studios is to follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. You can also visit this website and sign up to our newsletter.
How do I sign up for the newsletter?
You can sign up for the newsletter by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of our homepage here and submit it by clicking the ‘sign up’ button.
How do we choose our artists?
When artists apply for the event, they must submit five high quality images and tell us a little bit about their work and practice. Then our artists are very carefully selected by a panel of external arts affiliated professionals who will judge each artist’s application on the quality of their submission. We have no cap on numbers and we are open to all creatives making handmade, original artworks.
Who are the York Open Studios committee?
York Open Studios is primarily organised by a number of members which make up the committee. If you have any specific questions please feel free to email any of the committee, for all general enquiries please email info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk
Beccy Ridsdel
info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk
Chair, social media, website, and image organisation
Jane Duke
admin@yorkopenstudios.co.uk
Admin and databases
Jo Bagshaw
advertising@yorkopenstudios.co.uk
Advertising
Dave Coleman
treasurer@yorkopenstudios.co.uk
Treasurer
Kate Buckley
events@yorkopenstudios.co.uk
Events
Elaine Harris
Admin
Meron Napier
Admin
I am an artist who would like to take part in York Open Studios, how do I apply?
If you live or work within a ten mile radius of York city you are welcome to apply. The application forms go live during June and will close in August. The forms are located on CuratorSpace, and links will be published on the website, social media, and newsletter platforms as well as advertised on CuratorSpace. There are two application forms, one for 2D & 3D artists and one for Multi-media artists.