Last updated 3rd May 2024
We’ve been working with an action team to ensure IW Open Studios takes place in 2024 and continues to thrive. Read about the latest developments and how you can get involved….
Iw Open Studios 2024 Dates:
Friday 23rd August – Sunday 8th September 2024
Artists can select dates within this period that they would like to open their studios. Area Reps will soon be announced to coordinate artists in five clusters across the island (East, West, South, North, Central Wight) to share information, coordinate opening dates and help to support the production of maps and trails. This will ensure artists get the chance to visit other artist’s studios during the event and it becomes more coordinated and connected and ultimately, sustainable.
The new IW Open Studios website will aim to go live in May 2024 for online registrations.
If you’re interested in participating in this years Open Studios, then make sure to follow their new social media pages to find out exactly how and when to register to take part:
https://www.instagram.com/iwopenstudios/
https://www.facebook.com/IWOpenStudios
#IWopenstudios #IWopenstudios2024
WHAT IS OPEN STUDIOS?
Open Studios is a nationally recognised marketing initiative where artists collectively open the doors to their studios to showcase their work and where they make their work, attracting 1000’s of visitors. It is an opportunity to find out about the making process, how artists work, view demonstrations, discuss commissions and purchase artwork direct from the maker.
BACKGROUND:
IW Open Studios started almost 20 years ago and provided artists the opportunity to open their creative workplaces to the public. Over the last 15 years there has been an average of 150 IW artists taking part in the Island-wide event every year. It moved from a local authority run event in 2011 to an artist-led event. A company was formed to manage the event and until very recently has been managing the Island-wide Open Studios event successfully every year with additional pop-up events throughout the year.
At the end of 2022 the company ceased trading, therefore leading to no central organisation to coordinate the Island-wide event. In 2023, four separate areas of the IW, Cowes/Gurnard, Newport/Carisbrooke, West Wight and Ryde independently managed their own Open Studios events in towns and villages. This was not satisfactory but in the absence of a central control it was the only way this event would happen in 2023.
Charles Inge photo by Julian Winslow
VISION 2024:
A group of artists have now formed an ‘action team’ with the objective of reinstating the Island-wide Open Studios event to be held in 2024, to attract local and regional audiences and shine a spotlight on the uniqueness of the Island’s artistic community.
A new domain has been registered with a new branding/look for the website, allowing Island artists to participate in the Island-wide Open Studios.
OBJECTIVES:
The IW Creative Network has initiated conversations with the action team to formulate a plan. Directors are now in place and have formed a new CIC entity (community interest company) to implement the company strategy, with arts and company management. By becoming a CIC, IWOS can reach out for further investment to futureproof IWOS going forward and allow it to grow and thrive. There is currently a brilliant action team in place supporting the marketing, pr, social media, proofing, website liaison, accountancy, and Area Reps to drive the Island-wide event.
The new website will bring a fresh visual identity and enhanced accessibility, ensuring that artists and art enthusiasts alike have a platform to connect and celebrate creativity. For 2024 Area Reps, artists themselves, will be supporting local artists across five clusters across the Island, with each cluster promoting a sense of community. They are:
East Wight (Ryde, Binstead, Wootton, Brading, Bembridge, St Helens, Ashey, Seaview)
Area Rep: Lyndy Moles
Contact: [email protected]
West Wight (Yarmouth, Freshwater, Brook, Brighstone, Calbourne, Wellow, Totland)
Area Rep: Paul Windridge
Contact: [email protected]
North Wight (Porchfield, Gurnard, Northwood, West Cowes, East Cowes)
Area Rep: Karen Mead
Contact: [email protected]
South Wight (St Lawrence, Ventnor, Shanklin, Sandown, Wroxhall)
Area Rep: Jo Kori
Contact: [email protected]
Central Wight (Newport, Carisbrooke, Arreton, Rookley, Godshill)
Area Rep: Trudie Wilson
Contact: [email protected]
“I believe that the revival of Isle of Wight Open Studios will help encourage people to view the island as a cultural destination, and I’m delighted to be involved.” Paul Windridge
“I am looking forward to being a part of this year’s open studios. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to share my artwork and connect with other artists and art lovers in the community”. Trudie Wilson
So if you’re an artist based in any of these areas, then make sure to get in touch with the Area Reps to find out when other artists are opening their studios in your area.
If you’re interested in participating in this years Open Studios, then make sure to follow their new social media pages to find out exactly how and when to register to take part:
https://www.instagram.com/iwopenstudios/
https://www.facebook.com/IWOpenStudios
#IWopenstudios #IWopenstudios2024
For general enquiries, please email: [email protected]
