Talk:Open studio

More popular meaning of the term

The definition, to me, doesn't fully put across the concept of what many artists (possibly only in the UK - discussion welcome) would understand an Open Studios event to be. It seems to place to much emphasis on the "hands on" elements of the event - which, in my experience at least, are of much lesser importance than the other aspects.

The Open Studios group that I am involved with (Swindon Open Studios) are currently working on a simple, concise definition that, we feel, explains the concept much better than the current article.

But, in the meantime, the following definition which comes from The Surrey Open Studios site, I feel, provides a better definition than the current one.

Open Studios events take place in the UK and abroad. They have been established to help promote artists and their art practice. These events encourage artists to open up their studios to the public, whether in a group or as an individual,Surrey Arts in a town or city or in a remote area of the countryside, taking place in a region, a city or just one building. Each event attracts tourists, art lovers, buyers and other artists. Often open studios join forces with other types of venue and activity to form a larger event or festival.

The artists offer workshops, demonstrations of their art practice, work to commission and work for sale. Open Studios cover a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, design, film and photography. Some Open Studios events display a key body of work; others are very varied offering all visual arts. Some offer radical artwork whilst others offer more traditional or commercial styles. These events have proved very popular for visitors, providing a great way to meet artists and gain an insight into their working practice. For artists it is a valuable opportunity to raise their profiles and develop new skills in promoting their art.

Andypreston (talk) 12:55, 30 November 2009 (UTC)