Applications are now open artists, makers and creators to take part in this year’s Norfolk Open Studios.
In 2025, the award-winning event will celebrate 30 years of collaborating with artists by showcasing their work in a new summer slot, during peak summertime in July.
Now, artists are invited to apply to take part in the 2025 outing which will take place between 12th and 27th July.
For 16 days each year, Norfolk Open Studios celebrates the creativity, talent, and achievements of the county’s artists, creators, and makers. Established as one of the largest and most successful open studios schemes in the country, the free event offers the opportunity for creatives to open their doors to the public to exhibit, sell and talk about their work while also giving visitors the opportunity to see new art, take part in events, meet artists, and buy original artworks directly from their creators.
Over the course of three decades, Norfolk Open Studios has shone a spotlight of thousands of the county’s artists, and artists at all stages of their careers are invited to take part – from school and college students through to emerging talent and established and professional artists.
Annually, around 250 artists take part across more than 150 locations, from studios and garages to spare rooms and garden rooms, community spaces and schools – sharing their creative processes along the way.
Visitors will find painters, ceramicists, printmakers, woodworkers, sculptors, textile artists, jewellers, photographers, furniture makers, metal workers and lots more throughout the varied landscapes of Norfolk.
“We have been celebrating our county’s artists for 30 years”
Daniel Randall-Dawson, Norfolk Open Studios Producer, said: “We are excited to be launching our call out to artists and to announce new summer dates for 2025. We have been celebrating our county’s artists for 30 years and it continues to be a great way for artists, makers and creators to meet and talk with the public about their work, to feel part of a local, creative community, and to sell directly to an interested arts audience.
“It’s an exciting time when preparations begin and we’re looking forward to hearing from everyone who would like to take part.”
Norfolk Open Studios welcomes applications from all artists, groups of artists and schools – people wishing to take part can apply online or download an application form from the scheme’s website.
“It’s the highlight of my year”
Sculptor Andy Jarrett has been taking part in Norfolk Open Studios for a number of years, he said: “I’ve been proudly taking part in Norfolk Open Studios for many, many years now and it’s the highlight of my year, I love opening up my studio and showing people my work directly, it’s so rewarding and nourishing, there’s nothing like it!
“I do also sell lots of sculptures during Open Studios, so it’s very important to me financially. I have built up many clients who regularly buy work and choose to visit during the event, so I’m very excited about it. I would highly recommend to any practicing artist to get involved and become part of this wonderful celebration of local art and artists!”
“Always a great way to meet new people”
Ceramicist Caroline Chouler-Tissier, who is taking part in Norfolk Open Studios for the third time said: “I have jumped at the chance to take part in the 2025 event. Being involved in Norfolk Open Studio is always a great way to meet new people interested in experiencing the different ways artists express creativity. This July will be a special opportunity and fresh occasion to celebrate new work, give people a taste of my creative workshops and a welcome back to familiar faces. I can’t wait.”
It’s not only individual artists who take part, but groups too, including Barrington Farm. The manager of their Art Barn, Rob Burton, said: “We are really excited to be taking part in Norfolk Open Studios again this July. It’s a brilliant opportunity for artists working in our supported studio to showcase their artwork – everyone looks forward to it, especially giving visitors a tour of the exhibitions! One of the best things is meeting tourists who don’t know anything about us or the scheme, but end up leaving with a brochure and a piece of art.”
Norfolk Open Studios attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, who flock to studios across Norfolk to meet the county’s artists. One visitor to the last Open Studios event said: “It was wonderful to be able to meet the artists and understand their art, their equipment and some of the history about how their art has evolved. Without this opportunity I doubt I would have even heard of some of these local artists!”
Artists taking part will receive a profile and artwork image in the Norfolk Open Studios brochure, a website listing, as well as posters and postcards to publicise their involvement. They will have the opportunity to take part in the Preview exhibition at The Forum in Norwich, which attracts around 5,000 visitors a day. They will also have the chance to run, or be part of, an artist art trail, workshop or event from their studios.
Applications open on Monday 20th January and close on Sunday 23rd February 2025.
For more information or to apply visit www.norfolkstudios.org.uk or email openstudios@nnfestival.org.uk or call 01603 877762.
