About Us

Origins

Open Studios West Berkshire and North Hampshire was set up in 1988 by the late Pat Eastop MBE as a non-profit organisation, run entirely by unpaid volunteers, to celebrate the diversity of visual arts available within the local community. We strive to create a dialogue between artists and the community by encouraging members of the public to visit artists’ studios.

The scheme runs in association with the Newbury Spring Festival.

What we offer

This year in May and September our artists will open their studios and exhibitions free of charge and are happy to talk about their creative process with visitors. We work to make entering any art space a comfortable experience, to encourage and promote accessibility to art and artists. Works of arts are normally for sale but there is no obligation to buy, the focus is on enjoying your visit.

Open Studios is organised entirely by a committee of volunteers made up of artists and other professionals who generously donate their time each year to ensure the scheme runs efficiently and within budget.

Read more about the committee

Artist accreditation

Every artist who takes part in our Open Studios has been required to gain accreditation to the scheme which is vital in maintaining the high standards of the creative work on view.

You are welcome

We welcome any person, artists or otherwise, who feel that they could contribute in some way to the scheme. This could be in a professional capacity such as fundraising, accounts, marketing, taking minutes, administration or making teas at events. If you think you can help please get in touch.

Thank you

We are indebted for the support received from Greenham Trust, The Corn Exchange and our other supporters who help us to provide a diverse and interesting programme of visual arts events each year.