Opportunity details | Berwick Open Studios 2026

Berwick Open Studios 2026

Deadline: 12/06/2026

City: Berwick Upon Tweed | Region: Northumberland | Country: United Kingdom | Abigail Thomas

Berwick Open Studios is an exciting new cultural event in Berwick’s calendar of festivals. A pilot event delivered by Create Berwick with funding from Northumberland County Council and the North-East Combined Authority. The first Berwick Open Studios will take place over two weekends; 26-27 September & 3-4 October 2026. Artists’ studios, galleries and pop-up spaces will open their doors, offering visitors a rare chance to catch a glimpse into the working world of artists and designer-makers.

The project aims to celebrate the many selling galleries, studios and talented artists and makers in Berwick-upon-Tweed, increasing visibility, sales, network development and encouraging creative community.

About Berwick Open Studios

An exciting new cultural event in Berwick’s calendar of festivals; Berwick Open Studios is a pilot event delivered by Create Berwick with funding from Northumberland County Council and the North-East Combined Authority.

The first Berwick Open Studios will take place over two weekends; 26-27 September & 3-4 October 2026. Artists’ studios, galleries and pop-up spaces will open their doors, offering visitors a rare chance to catch a glimpse into the working world of artists and designer-makers.

The project aims to celebrate the many selling galleries, studios and talented artists and makers in Berwick-upon-Tweed, increasing visibility, sales, network development and encouraging creative community.

What is an open studio event, and why should I participate?

Open studio events vary from place to place, but in general they are art events with multiple participants in multiple venues, over one or two weekends. Artists, makers, and creative businesses open their studios and venues to invite the public into their creative spaces.

Open studio events are a valuable opportunity for artists, makers, galleries and creative businesses to promote what they do, connect with audiences, and participate in both the artistic and local communities.

Open studio events allow the public to visit creative spaces and engage with artists through conversation and direct sales.

Key Dates

Applications Open:
Thursday 30th April

Application Deadline:
Friday 12th June

Acceptance & Invoicing:
By 24th June at the latest

Participant Meeting 1 – ideas, help, suggestions, networking: Beginning of July (TBC)

Participant Meeting 2 – collection of guide maps, networking, & help: August (TBC)

Participant Meeting 3 – participant/venue packs ready for collection, getting ready for the event: First week of September (TBC)

Berwick Open Studios – weekend 1:
Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September

Berwick Open Studios – weekend 2:
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October

Feedback – Stats & Stories Meeting: End October/Beginning of Nov (TBC)

*You do not need to attend every participant meeting, but you must attend at least one.

How do I apply?

The Berwick Open Studios 2026 application form can be found online via Curatorspace.com. You will need to create an account with CuratorSpace if you have never used the site before.

If you have an issue with the workings of the form or application website, please visit the CuratorSpace help section, if your question is related to the content of the form or about the event itself, then first check the opportunity FAQs, and if your still need help then get in touch through the 'Contact curator' tab.

We suggest you read through the Application Guide document, plus the Terms & Conditions, plus the FAQ's tab thoroughly before beginning your application so that you can gather all the relevant information.

You must have a venue before you apply, unless you are applying directly for one of the Quayside Artisan Huts.

Please email to discuss alternative venue options if you’re unsure.

You will be asked to read and agree to the Terms and Conditions before submitting your application.

You will not be asked to make any payments at this stage.

Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be sent an acceptance email and invoice relating to the category you’re applying for.

We will be reviewing and accepting applications throughout the application period, so you do not need to wait until the deadline to apply.

What do I get?

If you are accepted to take part in the 2026 Berwick Open Studios event you will receive:

Access to several participant meetings in the lead up to the event – at these meetings you will receive guidance, tips and suggestions, plus the chance to network with your fellow participants.
Your listing (name, photo, weblink, venue info etc..) both online and in the printed guide map.
Whilst we will coordinate marketing and PR of the event, participants will get access to both print & digital promotional materials to distribute through their own networks (flyers, posters, logos, social assets, guide maps etc…)
Social media ‘shout outs’ in the lead up to the event
Participant/Venue Pack – which includes signage for venue visibility during the event itself.

Eligibility

Berwick Open Studios is open to all artists and makers aged 18+ working in any medium and living or working in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Tweedmouth, or Spittal.

Artists living outside of this area, but within a 10 miles radius, can apply for a pop-up space or exhibition. Berwick Open Studios is also open to any galleries, creative shops, community & educational groups, and cultural hubs within Berwick-upon-Tweed, Tweedmouth, or Spittal.

Artists and makers under 18 can exhibit within a group – see Exhibitions category.

You do not need to be a ‘professional’ artist to apply, but you must demonstrate a professional outlook.

You must show through your application that you’re a committed artist, maker or creative business, making original artworks or craft items.

We want our visitors to be excited about the work that they see.

We do not ask for your creative CV, or proof of creative education. We will look at the work you submit, your bio and statement, and web presence (if provided), to determine your suitability to take part.

There will be a light-touch selection process to help this event be the best it can be, whilst still be as inclusive as possible.

This includes a small panel who will go through applications to make sure each participant is eligible.

See categories for any further criteria to the above.

Days/Hours

Participants can choose whether to be open for both weekends, or just one. Opening hours should be between 10am-4pm each day, unless applying as a Cultural Hub.

Categories

Individuals: £35
Exhibitions (Groups/Galleries/Shops): £35
Young Artists (18-25): £15
Cultural Hubs: £70
Maltings Studio Bursary – Visiting Artists (jointly supported by Berwick Open Studios & The Maltings; please apply through The Maltings website): £0

A full description of each category is available in the Application Guide Document .

Please be aware these prices reflect the fact that this is a PILOT event, with funding from Create Berwick for 2026. In future years this cost will likely change, dependant on funding, sponsorship etc... Your participation fee will help towards printing costs for promotional materials and advertising.

You will not be charged until you're accepted, at which point you'll be sent an invoice.

Checklist & Acknowledgements

Have you:

Chosen which weekend, if not both, you’ll be open?
Decided which category you’re apply for?
Checked your venue’s WhatThreeWords location?
Uploaded images correctly? Named them with artists name eg. Abigail_Thomas_Untitled1
Secured Public Liability Insurance?
Read and understood the Terms and Conditions?

By submitting this form you are acknowledging that you have read and understood the Berwick Open Studios Terms and Conditions.

What next?

We will be reviewing and accepting applications throughout the application period, so you might hear from us before the deadline.

You will hear if you have been accepted to take part in Berwick Open Studios 2026 by 24th June at the latest.

Make a submission Contact the curator

Who is eligible for this opportunity?

Berwick Open Studios is open to all artists and makers aged 18+ working in any medium and living or working in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Tweedmouth, or Spittal.

Artists living outside of this area, but within a 10 miles radius, can apply for a pop-up space or exhibition. Berwick Open Studios is also open to any galleries, creative shops, community & educational groups, and cultural hubs within Berwick-upon-Tweed, Tweedmouth, or Spittal.

Artists and makers under 18 can exhibit within a group – see Exhibitions category.

You do not need to be a professional artist to apply. You must however show through your application that you are a committed artist, maker or creative business, making high quality artworks or craft items. We do not ask for your creative CV, or proof of creative education. We will look at the work you submit, your bio and statement, and web presence (if provided), to determine your suitability to take part.

There will be a light-touch selection process to help this event be the best it can be, whilst still be as inclusive as possible. This includes a small panel who will go through applications to make sure each participant is eligible. See categories for any further criteria to the above

When is the deadline?

Deadline to apply is Friday 12th June 2026

Is there an age restriction?

Applicants must be 18 or over, unless part of an educational group.

How do you decide on applications being successful?

For this pilot year there will be a small panel who will go through applications to make sure each participant is eligible. There will be a light-touch selection process to help this event be the best it can be, whilst still be as inclusive as possible. See Application Guide document for full details.

Do you have to be a professional artist to take part?

No, you do not need to be ‘professional’ to take part. You must however show through your application that you’re a committed artist, maker or creative business, making high quality artworks or craft items.
We do not ask for your creative CV, or proof of creative education. We will look at the work you submit, your bio and statement, and web presence (if provided), to determine your suitability to take part.

Is there a geographical eligibility criteria?

Berwick Open Studios is open to all artists and makers living or working in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Tweedmouth, or Spittal.
Artists living outside of this area, but within a 10 miles radius, can apply for a pop-up space or exhibition.
Berwick Open Studios is also open to any galleries, creative shops, community & educational groups, and cultural hubs within Berwick-upon-Tweed, Tweedmouth, or Spittal.

How much does it cost and what do I get for my money?

Fee Categories:
• Individuals £35
• Exhibitions (Groups/Galleries/Shops) £35
• Young Artists (18-25) £15
• Cultural Hubs £70
Please be aware these prices reflect the fact that this is a PILOT event, funded by Create Berwick for 2026. In future years this cost will change, and may well increase, dependent on funding, sponsorship etc...
Your participation fee will help towards printing costs for promotional materials and advertising.
You will get:
• A listing in the printed guide map, with dot on the map
• A listing on the website
• A shout out on social media ahead of the event
• Access to at least 3 participants meetings
See Application Guide document for full details.

How do we apply as a group?

Choose one person to apply for the group/gallery as a whole.

Do all artists in a group need to live/work in Berwick?

Artists showing in the exhibition or gallery at the time of the event do not ALL have to be based locally, however the group must be Berwick/Tweedmouth/Spittal based.

Can groups be any size?

Yes, groups can be a group of artists, educational groups, schools, or community groups which are showing the work of one or more artists. Groups can apply under the option of ‘Exhibition’.

Can educational groups or schools apply?

Schools and educational groups, including university or college groups, can apply under the option of ‘Exhibition’. See Application Guide document for full details

Can children take part?

Anyone under the age of 18 can take part as part of an educational group or school putting on an exhibition.

How many images do I need to submit?

Six. You should prepare your images on your device BEFORE uploading them to the form.
Jpeg or PNG file formats only.
High quality images, at least 1MB, and 300dpi.
Please include the artist’s name and/or venue name in the filename. If your images have a photographer’s credit that also needs to be used in print or other media, please include this too.
Eg. Abi_Thomas_Untitled1_BerwickGallery_Photocredit_J.Summers.jpeg
1. Studio Space or Venue Image
2. Supporting Image
3. Supporting Image
4. Supporting Image
5. Supporting Image
Printed and digital listings will only include one image; please choose that image carefully and indicate which image you would prefer us to use for your listing by adding the word LISTING into the filename. We reserve the right to use another image you have uploaded if we think the one chosen will not be suitable or will not show up well in publication. We also suggest uploading at least one image of your studio space or venue if appropriate.
The rest of the images you upload will not only help Berwick Open Studios review your application but will also be used for promotion of you, your venue and the event.
An edited grid or compilation images will not be accepted. Avoid using screenshots, and please do not crop or otherwise edit your images. If we need to crop them for the guide/map we will do that.
All images could be used for promotional purposes. If your images are used in print or other media, all efforts will be made to acknowledge and caption with your name, so make sure your images are clearly named!

Will you help me find a venue?

You must have a venue before you apply, unless you are applying directly for one of the Quayside Artisan Huts.
There are some other venues who have expressed an interest in hosting artists, if you’d like to be put in touch with one, please email Abigail with information about your creative practice, a website link, or social media link, or some attached images. Also, please provide your location and the reason why you would like to find a venue. We will do our best to put you in touch with someone – if you both choose to go ahead, one of you will need to come back to the application form and complete it.

Can I apply for one of the Quayside Artisan Huts?

Yes! These are run by the town council, via Berwick Markets. They have kindly offered their use during both Open Studios weekends. If you would like to secure a hut as an alternative venue during the Open Studios please provide relevant information in the correct section of the application form. You will not need to pay for the hire of the hut in addition to your application fee; we are covering the hut hire fee for those artists who are successful.
We envisage that this option will be popular, so please try to apply for these as early as possible, so that if you’re unsuccessful in your application, you still have time to consider finding an alternative venue. See Application Guide document for full details.

I’ve submitted my application form, what happens next?

We will be reviewing and accepting applications throughout the application period, so you might hear from us before the deadline.
You will hear if you have been accepted to take part in Berwick Open Studios 2026 by 24th June at the latest.

Do I get a copy of my application by email?

Not automatically, however, Berwick Open Studios will send you a PDF copy of your application for your records as soon as we can, along with a link to an anonymous monitoring form to complete.

If you do not receive this within 5 days of you submitting, or 1 day before the deadline, you can review your submissions at any point either on the opportunity page on curatorspace.com or in your account area, where you can see all submissions, you have made and their current status. If in doubt, message us.

When do I pay?

You will not be asked to make any payments at the application stage. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted you will be sent an acceptance email and invoice relating to the category you’re applying for.

Will my venue be insured by Berwick Open Studios?

No. Neither Berwick Open Studios (BOS), organiser Abigail Thomas, nor any volunteers accept liability for loss or damage to personal property or for personal injury sustained by members of the public while visiting venues during the Open Studios event.
We require all participants to have Public Liability Insurance, and we will need a copy of your certificate before the event.
You must secure your own insurance for loss or damage to work or property as appropriate to your situation and venue.

Where can I get Public Liability Insurance?

Often artist/craftsperson memberships offer some form of PLI with their annual membership; check that it suits your needs. A-N (The Artists Information Company) is one of those that does, and you can read about that on their website.

How is BOS being funded? Is there enough to promote it well?

Berwick Open Studios 2026 pilot event is funded by Create Berwick – a designated Culture and Creative Zone (CCZ), funded by the North East Combined Authority and Northumberland County Council. This with the additional participants payments has allowed us to plan for a high quality marketing and promotional campaign.

What publicity will be provided as part of the opportunity?

BOS will be publicising the event. We are using a high-quality PR agency to support us advertise and promote this new event as much as possible, but of course you are expected to do your bit by promoting the event to your existing contacts and in the local area. This event is all about artistic community coming together to showcase what amazing creativity Berwick has to offer – and that means you!

Advertising & PR: we will be advertising in various print and digital magazines, via social media, distributing flyers and posters and the guide maps to key venues throughout Northumberland and the Borders

Flyers, Posters & Guide Maps: we will be producing both print and digital versions of flyers, posters and guide maps. As a participant you will be given a bundle of your own to distribute as you see fit, but there will also be an opportunity to sign up to help us distribute them further afield. Participants will also get access to digital files.

Logos & Branding: participants will receive access to logo files once they have been officially accepted and have paid the fee. Please follow the Brand Guidelines when promoting the event and your participation within it.

Banners: we will be using banners in key places throughout the town in the run up and during the event.

Images: participants grant Berwick Open Studios the right to reproduce any image provided in the application for publicity and promotional purposes of this event.

Participant Packs: will be available for collection at the last participants’ meeting before the event and will include signage to help you signpost your venue and attract visitors during the event itself.

See Terms & Conditions document for full details

Will there be a guide map/website/social media?

Yes, there will be a guide map being produced, a webpage, and social media.

We will be producing both print and digital versions of flyers, posters and guide maps. As a participant you will be given a bundle of your own to distribute as you see fit, but there will also be an opportunity to sign up to help us distribute them further afield. Participants will also get access to digital versions of these.

Listings will also be included in our webpage ahead of the event with all the listing information you provide in the application form. Visitors will be able to visit this page to see a digital version of the map and all listings to help them plan their visit.

All participants will get a shout out on social media, using the information and images provided in the application form.

Who promotes Open Studios? Am I expected to help promote it/distribute flyers or guide maps?

Promotion is a shared effort. BOS will be publicising the event. We are using a high-quality PR agency to support us advertise and promote this new event as much as possible, but of course you are expected to do your bit by promoting the event to your existing contacts and in the local area. This event is all about artistic community coming together to showcase what amazing creativity Berwick has to offer – and that means you!

There will be a working document on google drive that all participants will have access to; this will list all the venues, and places that flyers, posters and eventually the printed guide map have so far been distributed to, or need to be taken to. We ask that all participants agree to help distribute flyers and put up posters, either from the list provided, or adding locations to the list if they’re not included. This system will be explained in full at the first meeting where you’ll be able to pick up flyers and posters.

Can I put up posters?

We’d love you to help us and put up posters where and when you can, but please make sure that you only do so with the permission of the owner of the property you are attaching the posters to. Please don’t do this without permission.

What will the guide map look like?

As this is the first, pilot event, we’re not completely sure what format the guide map will take. It really depends how many participants apply. We’re basing our budget on a good quality fold out map in full colour, with a map showing the locations of all venues, and listings of each participant/group/cultural hub alongside.

What information will I get in the guide map or online listing?

We do not know exactly how many people will apply this year, and therefore we cannot say for sure how much information we can fit into the printed guide map. The minimum will be your contact details (artist/business name), email address & phone (if you want to include it), a weblink, your art forms (chosen from a list), and your venue access details. Hopefully we’ll also be able to fit in the short-listing text also, but it is not guaranteed. All details provided in the listings section of the application form will be included on the website listing.

What happens if two or more artists are at the same venue on the map?

Where there is a venue with multiple individuals taking part, the map will show a different coloured dot with one location number. In the website listing, individuals will be listed with full information under one venue address.

I’m running a workshop or talk alongside my open studio/exhibition; will BOS promote it?

BOS are very happy to promote related events that participants or venues are running between 26th September and 10th October 2026 (covering the event weekends and a little beyond). It’s unlikely there is space in the printed guide map, but we will happily include posts on social media. We will limit it to one or two per participant/group/gallery for this year.

If you are applying as a Cultural Hub, you automatically eligible to promote up to three events between those dates above. See Application Guide for details.

How can I get involved in the participants community?

Come along to the participants meetings and meet everyone else involved. We will be setting up a What’s App group for participants after the first meeting – there is no obligation to get involved in it, but it might be helpful to share tips, ask for help.

Do I need to attend all the Participants Meetings?

You must attend at least one of the 3 participants meetings in the lead up to Berwick Open Studios – see Key Dates in the Application Guide. We’d love to see you at all of them, but we understand if you cannot make them all. There will also be a feedback meeting after Berwick Open Studios in late October/early November. All meeting dates TBC.

Will there be a launch party? An after-party? A follow up to give feedback?

We haven’t planned a launch party or after party yet. There is a planned feedback meeting after Berwick Open Studios in late October/early November which we’d love to see you at if you take part in the event.

What can I expect from the Participants Meetings?

Participant meetings will be full of helpful information, suggestions and advice. You can also network with other participants and pick up printed promotional materials etc.. It’s a great opportunity for all participants to get together to share useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of the Open Studios event.

What advice can the organisers give to artists who haven’t done this before?

Advice, suggestions and helpful information will be given at the participants meetings and whilst there you can also meet other artists and participants who you can learn from and share tips with.

Do I need to be present at my venue?

Yes, you must be present at your venue at all promoted times on the weekend(s) you choose in your application.

Can I close for lunch/loo breaks, or are there any volunteers who can give me a break?

Opening hours should be between 10am-4pm each day, unless applying as a Cultural Hub. We suggest that you arrange for a friend or family member to be with you during your opening hours, so that you can stagger your breaks and also not be alone in the building. We cannot guarantee the number of volunteers or their availability so we cannot offer help in this respect.

Is it ok to have my dog with me at my venue?

Pets, particularly dogs should be managed at your discretion, if the venue is your own. You should first consult with the venue you’re using if you are hiring it or have an agreement with them.

What if visitors bring their dogs?

It is at your, or the venue’s discretion whether to allow dogs into your venue or not. If you decide to, you can choose ‘Dogs Welcome’ in the Extra Venue Info section.

Can I bring my children/family to the venue to help me?

Again, this is at your discretion, if the venue is your own. You should first consult with the venue you’re using if you are hiring it or have an agreement with them.

Can we charge entry?

No visitors should be charged entry to any participating venue.

Can I/we offer refreshments?

Yes, If you decide to offer refreshments, make sure you tick relevant box in the Extra Venue Info section of the application form. If you’re running a pop up café and are selling food, please do your research and adhere to any laws and legislation regarding the sale of drinks and food.

Do we need to allow access to a toilet?

No, you are not expected to offer access to your toilet or any other facilities unless indicated on the extra listings info that you are.

Can I open my garden too?

Yes! Make sure you tick the box ‘Garden Open’ in the Extra Venue Info section of the application form

What if I must withdraw, or decide to pull out before the event? Can I get a refund?

We have a tiered cancellation/refund policy which depends on when you cancel, reflecting work already completed on the marketing, the listings, the guide map and event organisation. Full details are provided in the Terms & Conditions.

Life happens, and we understand! If you need to cancel last-minute let us know; we won’t be able to refund you, but we can put out an announcement on social media and signage to ease disappointment for visitors.

Who can I contact with questions not answered here?

Berwick Open Studios main contact is Abigail, who can be contacted through Curatorspace messages and she will respond if time and capacity allow.

But also note there will be a lot of advice and suggestions at the first participants meeting, your query may well be covered then. You can also utilise those meetings to network and talk to other artists and makers and gather advice from each other.

We will also be setting up a What’s App group for participants after the first meeting – there is no obligation to get involved in it, but it might be helpful to share tips, ask for help.

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