Herts Open Studios is HVAF's major annual showcase event. Each year, we have more and more artists taking part, because of the massive exposure it offers. You may decide to invite visitors to your own studio space, or share someone else’s studio; perhaps exhibit in a gallery or museum; or join other artists in a pop-up shop. You'll get visitors wherever you are.
Taking part will raise your profile as an artist, encouraging art lovers to view you as a success. You’ll learn a lot about exhibiting both from other artists and also at the online briefings that HVAF run.
The event spans three weeks and an initial weekend, so there’s lots of time for visitors to get round to the different venues.
HVAF produce a full colour brochure with details of everyone who’s taking part. This is also available as an online brochure. HVA runs an extensive marketing campaign before and during Open Studios. This includes paid on-line ads on social media, contact with an extensive list of local press, and promotion on other websites.
Some artists exhibit their work every day throughout HOS, but most focus on specific dates during the event. The HOS team and other artists in your area will be able to offer advice.
Not sure where you’d be able to exhibit? The HOS team and your area coordinator may be able to help you find a venue.
What does it cost?
- It is £75 to enter for the current year
- HVAF sets the fee each year to cover all the costs involved in running the event.
- The biggest element of the overall event budget is the production and printing of the colour brochure. The cost of marketing undertaken by HVAF is also included.
- Any costs that you incur for venues will be in addition to the entry fee and payable to the venue concerned by you.
- There's a small charge for additional marketing materials, such as Correx signs, posters (through this website) and copies of your local art trail map (from your Area Coordinator).
What do I get for my money?
Each artist will be promoted in the brochure and be provided with 30 copies free of charge to hand out. More copies are available via this website at a nominal cost. The first year you take part, you'll also be given a strip of Herts Open Studios bunting.
Dates
- Expression of Interest open 1st March – 15th April.
- Registration, when payment is required, and a venue needs to be in place, opens 1st April for the month.
- Saturday 7 September to Sunday 29 September.
- Individual artists may open on selected dates within this three week period.