Norfolk Open Studios 2016 Call for artists to get involved

Photo of Stephen Parry, a Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios artist in North Norfolk at work in his studio

“I love to hear how each artist develops their ideas and concepts and relish the opportunity to purchase not only beautiful creations, but something with meaning. It is the highlight of my summer!” visitor comment, June 2015 

Be part of Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2016 
Calling all Norfolk artists! Applications are now open to take part in one of the most successful Open Studios schemes in the country. 
Hundreds of artists across the region take part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios each year, inviting the public into their private studios to reveal where and how they work. The event attracts thousands of visitors and this year an estimated 26,000 people visited studios across the county. Artists have the opportunity to promote their work and meet their audience, and visitors see artwork as it happens, away from traditional gallery spaces. 

This year 458 artists participated across 248 venues, and artists came together to create 17 Art Trails in various areas across Norfolk, allowing the visitor to enjoy a number of studios all in one day. Art demonstrations, private views, workshops and talks also make up this well-loved event. 

For many of the artists who take part it’s not just about making artwork sales. Artists comment that it helps them to feel part of their local artist community and the scheme helps raise the profile of Norfolk artists. West Norfolk artist Karen Wadham, a painter who opened her studio in Great Massingham as part of the scheme this year, said that as well as selling paintings and prints, she “gained valuable feedback from visitors and hopefully more people will be aware of my style and output as a painter”. 

Norwich based company Wex Photographic will be supporting the scheme again in 2016. Their Events Manager Emma van Deventer said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios once more this year, reflecting our long-term commitment to supporting local arts programmes. The ethos of Open Studios is very much in line with our own values as a photographic company and we look forward to helping celebrate and promote artistic talent in Norfolk.” 

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2016 will take place between 28 May and 12 June 2016. 
Artists wanting to take part can apply online at nnopenstudios.org.uk. The cost for inclusion in the scheme is £100 for individual artists and £280 for groups of artists and 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, posters and postcards to publicise their involvement and the opportunity to take part in the high profile Central Taster Exhibition at The Forum in Norwich in April 2016, one of the largest annual art exhibitions held at The Forum. 

The deadline for 2016 applications is Friday 4 December 2015. 
For more information please visit www.nnopenstudios.org.uk, email nnopenstudios@nnfestival.org.uk or call Ros Dixon on 01603 877762. 

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is a 16-day county-wide celebration of the arts and a key event in Norfolk’s visual arts calendar. Artists across the region take part each year, inviting the public into their private studios to reveal where and how they work. The event attracts thousands of visitors and in 2015 an estimated 26,000 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 delivered by Norfolk & Norwich Festival as an organisation, in partnership with and for the benefit of Norfolk artists. 
Principal Funders 
​Arts Council England, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Norwich City Council