18 Sept – 3 Oct 2021
In one of the largest Open Studios events to date, Somerset Open Studios 2021 presents work from more than 300 Somerset Art Works Members in over 200 studios and spaces across the county this autumn. Visitors have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet the artist, find out what inspires them and experience the working process- engaging with creativity at the source. Studios occur in a variety of unique situations and the event is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden locations and workspaces- in person and also online.
For 2021, visitors will be able to experience and explore artists’ workspaces in new and different ways. A fold-out venue map and listings, available in cultural venues from August, will help visitors plan their journeys and navigate the 16 days of Open Studios. Also new for this year is an Open Studios App, providing full venue details in an easily-accessible format, including art forms, accessibility information and opening times. The App works offline and links to Google Maps to take you straight to the studio door! A map and venue listings, along with artist images and editorial will also be available in the September/October edition of Evolver magazine, the arts and culture guide distributed across the Wessex region. Finally, in another new initiative for 2021, venue details will also be listed on the Visit Somerset website, enabling visitors from further afield to make the most of their stay in Somerset- or to enable all visitors to experience a full day out with everything that the county has to offer!
This year, there is an increased focus on improving access for visitors- information is available in a range of formats, in print and online, and artists are doing their best to ask if they can help to make access easier to venues. QR codes will help visitors locate information easily- just scan the codes where you see them to take you to the App or to the Open Studios page on the website.
The Open Studios page will contain full information about Open Studios and all venue details, as well as an event programme with workshops, talks, films and have-a-go activities listed. Every weekend is Family Friendly Weekend with a range of activities suitable for families of all shapes and sizes! Work by artists taking part in the recent Somerset Reacquainted project will show in ‘Community’ at Taunton Brewhouse and there is also a special exhibition, ‘Thread Bearing Witness’, with work by Alice Kettle at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury.
Artists have made preparations to ensure that venues are Covid-safe including waiting areas and some venues may be open by appointment only. Please follow the latest Government guidance when entering artists’ studios, including wearing a mask if required, hand sanitising, social distancing and complying with Covid safety information at each venue.
Please check venue details before making a special journey- or phone ahead. Many venues will be happy for you to make an appointment.
After a difficult few months, artists will be pleased to welcome you and show you what they’ve been working on and will value your support as we all venture out to experience the wonderful variety of art and creativity across the county this autumn.
For more details, please see: somersetartworks.org.uk/what-we-do/art-weeks/or contact Paul Newman at Somerset Art Works on 07715 528441 or paul.newman@somersetartworks.org.uk