The Hertfordshire Open Studios event began in 1991 and has been held every year since then. Its aim is to make the arts more accessible to the public, and to make the public more aware of the art and craft that are created around them. All professional and amateur artists, photographers and craftspeople living or working in Hertfordshire are welcome to apply for entry to participate. Each year around 200 artists take part and around 6000-8000 members of the public visit the studios. The event is organised by Open Studios Coordinators (this year we have two!) with the help of a team of volunteers.
The Hertfordshire Open Studios event is normally held in September and artists open their homes or places of work to visitors at specified times during the Open Studios period. The event introduces artists to the general public, galleries and other enterprises, bringing an awareness of the diversity of talent available throughout the county. Artists can show off their skills, chat to the public and make sales. Many artists take the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity in action, which is often viewed by members of the public as being one of the most valuable aspects of the event. Interaction with visitors can be a catalyst for new ideas and can build confidence, so visitors are encouraged to talk to artists about their work.
The Open Studios programme is publicised via a targeted media campaign. Details of each artist (or group of artists) plus a photo of their work are included in 25,000 colour brochures (available in July) which are distributed to libraries, museums, tourist information offices, commercial outlets etc across the county. These artists details plus photos of their work are then also posted on this website.
Each participating artist is given help and support on how to run their "open studio" by an experienced team of volunteers. An Area Coordinator is appointed to facilitate arrangements in each district. Entrants are provided with a guidelines booklet detailing step-by-step what needs to be done, and all artists receive an Artist Pack to help publicise their own venue. Entrants can either exhibit alone in their studio or home, or can group together to share a venue.
Please visit our contact page for details on how to get in touch with HVAF.