Calling all Swindon artists

Swindon Open Studios is inviting local artists and craftspeople of all kinds, to register for their Arts Community Event, by 31 March.

The town’s premier Arts Community Event showcases a wide range of talents, and as more artists are inspired to join each year, the organisers are expecting a bumper year. The event is free to enter for visitors.

During the last two weekends of September, dozens of professional, amateur and hobby artists fling open wide the doors to their working spaces, so visitors can celebrate Swindon’s creativity and see wonderful works of art on their doorstep. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the creative process involved or to get stuck in by joining a workshop. It’s a lot less formal than a visit to a gallery and you might even get a cup of tea or piece of cake!

Artists develop their practice by talking through working methods with visitors, honing exhibition skills, promoting their work and being part of a supportive creative community. 

Chairperson of the SOS Committee, Anna Enright, said: “Swindon Open Studios has grown for the last three years and we’re keen to invite a wide range of art styles and mediums. It promises to be bigger, brighter and more exciting than ever this year, so don’t leave your application too late!”

The registration deadline is earlier this year, closing on 31 March. The £50 registration fee remains unchanged and gives exhibitors full colour entries in thousands of brochures, a personal page on the website, free posters and leaflets promoting the event as well as learning resources, guides and support. 

Anna said: “If there are any young people or artists who've never exhibited before, we’d love to help you begin your journey to share your work with a wider audience. There is no selection process and we’re really lucky to have some very experienced members who are not only skilled artists but also seasoned exhibitors very willing to help new members.

“Our community is very friendly, and artists say they get so much encouragement from discussing their work, sharing it with visitors and other artists alike.”

To open up a home studio, offer workshops or book into a pop-up exhibition, Artists can register now at @swindonopenstudios

For those new to exhibiting who need to explore further before committing, there is a ‘find out more’ event on Thursday 13 March at 7pm at the Swindon Rugby Football Club, SN3 3LA.