York Open Studios is York's largest arts festival which takes place on the 6th/7th and the 13th/14th April 2019. We are inviting applications for our 2019 event.
York Open Studios is a selected event, taking place in artists spaces all across York. You must live or have a permanent studio within a ten mile radius of York City centre to be eligible. We welcome applications from artists at all stages in their career, and recent graduates will pay a reduced fee.
We offer two applications; one for 2D and 3D artists for people working in traditional media such as painting, jewellery, ceramics, printmaking etc, and one for installation, performance, multi-media and digital artists who can apply for our £500 bursary to help them realise a body of work to be shown during our two weekends. Please select the appropriate form to apply.
Costs:
If selected we charge £110 for 2D/3D applications. Recent graduates (2 years) pay £55. Bursary artists pay nothing.
Artists pay a commission of 10% on their sales above £250.
Contact the curator
Who is eligible for this opportunity?
Artists and craftspeople who live within ten miles of York City centre.
When is the deadline?
Midnight, 11th September 2018
How many images can I submit?
You must submit five print-quality (300dpi) images of the type of work you expect to show in April. At least three of these must be individual works but two may be details or close-ups. Your FIRST image should be one you would like to be used in the directory, if you are selected. You must also submit an image of yourself in your studio or at work, we will not use this image for selection but it will be used as part of our publicity if you are selected.
Your images must be high quality and show your work clearly.
How much does it cost?
If selected we charge £110 for 2D/3D applications. Recent graduates (2 years) pay £55. Bursary artists pay nothing.
Artists pay a commission of 10% on their sales above £250.
Are there payments to artists?
Bursary artists receive £500 towards a body of work.
Is there a private view / opening?
Artists can choose to have a public opening on Friday 5th April 2019
There will also be a 'taster' exhibition in the centre of York where each artist will have one piece of work on show to help the public plan their route during the main weekends.
What are the exhibition opening hours?
Friday 5th April 6-9pm
Saturday 6th April 10am-5pm
Sunday 7th April 10am-5pm
Saturday 13th April 10am-5pm
Sunday 14th April 10am-5pm
What publicity will be provided as part of the opportunity?
We publish a directory with a map which is distributed to our mailing list, and copies will be available at Visit York, in York's libraries, galleries, cafes and shops. We employ a PR agency who provide press and magazine coverage and we place adverts in local and national publications. We also use our website and social media channels.
Do I need to be present?
Yes, you would need to be present at your venue throughout both weekends.
Where will my venue be listed?
Each artist will have a listing in our directory and a page on our website.
How do you decide on applications/proposals?
We employ independent judges to select our artists. In the past selection has been anonymous but this year we will be unable to do that.
Our bursary artist(s) will be selected by members of the committee.
What happens if my application/proposal is accepted?
You will receive a congratulations email and a further form to fill in to ask additional questions for your directory entry. You will also be asked to pay your admission fee.
What are the selection criteria?
The work submitted should arouse a positive response in the judges with the potential to elicit a similar response in the viewing public who will visit York Open Studios. It should be exciting and intriguing and demonstrate a clear direction and vision. The panel will use their knowledge and experience to come to a decision and think about qualities such as use and application of materials and composition. The panel will look for work showing artistic commitment and a professional outlook. Decisions will be based purely on the quality of the applications submitted so make sure your images are high quality and show your work clearly. Artists who submit poor quality images are unlikely to be selected.
Will I need to attend any meetings?
Yes, you will need to attend a meeting on the 20th October where we will introduce ourselves, welcome new artists and give you important information about the event. There will also be an optional meeting/social where new artists and people who have exhibited before can get lots of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of York Open Studios.
How is York Open Studios run?
York Open Studios is run by a committee of 8 volunteers.
Where can I exhibit?
You can use your own studio, workshop, home or an educational establishment where you teach or study. Up to five artists can share one venue as long as at least one artist uses the space on a permanent basis. We are not allowing hired/borrowed venues this year.
Exceptions - Bursary artists can hire/borrow venues if they don't have a suitable space. If more that five accepted artists currently permanently share a studio then they could use that space as a venue.
