Brighton, May 19 (HNA) – The Artists Open Houses Festival (AOH), the UK’s first and the largest event of its kind, is hosting more than 700 artists this year, at around 200 houses and studios in Brighton Hove this May for the 2023 edition.
Artworks at the AOH festival include a broad range of media, including ceramic, acrylic, oil, watercolour, pencil, ink, pastel, glass, mixed media and wood. Production methods include painting, screen printing; line drawing; photography; lino block; lino print; lino cut; print; monotype, jewellery and carbon engraving.
“Visiting artists in their homes and studios, viewing art in domestic settings, meeting the artists and makers, hearing about how the work is made and what motivates its makers, is always inspirational,” said Judy Stevens, Artists Open Houses Festival Director.
“Artists Open Houses embrace the entire community, encompassing all generations, from school students to residents of seniors’ centres; from artists just starting out in their careers, to those with national reputations. Several venues include the work of students, emerging artists, and neuro-diverse and learning-disabled artists. Some offer workshops and events where you can get hands-on and involved” said Stevens and added:
“This year we’re partnering with Sussex Nightstop, a community response to youth homelessness in Brighton and Hove that provides safe, welcoming places to stay for young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Together we are launching an online auction of AOH artists’ work; look out for available work in participating Open Houses, bid online and help support this brilliant organisation. Artists Open Houses connect artists and makers with an audience of art lovers, buyers and industry professionals – and is also fun to take part in, exhibiting with your friends in your own home.”
Among the houses and studios, Number 10, a Grade II listed building with its high ceilings, huge bay windows pouring in plenty of natural light and well-preserved original features, itself full of curiosities and collectables, is hosting. This is the perfect backdrop for an eclectic mix of artists and makers showing their works.
This year Number 10 will be featuring 22 fabulous local artists and makers. There will be art for all purse sizes and tastes from, “Ayşenil Senkul, Claire Scott, Gail Anderson, BrightonView (ceramics and glass), Janie Ranger, David Ryan, Lucy Faulke, Patti Hopkins, Bite Your Granny, Tim France, Michelle Hockey, Diane Bailey, Beau-Bottletops, Nicky Edwards (painting and illustration), Dani Crompton Designs, Twisted Rocks, Lou Living (jewellery), Vintage Victoriana, Sublime Vintage, Renush Accessories, Wired and Tangled (textiles).”
Brighton’s Open House phenomenon began in 1982, when Fiveways artist, Ned Hoskins, opened his front door to the public, inviting visitors into his home to view his own work and that of a group of friends. Other artists in the area followed suit to form the Fiveways Artists Group.
The idea proved very popular with the visiting public and soon other trails sprang up around the city – and the Open Houses were born. Initially appearing as a listings section within the early Brighton Festival brochures, Open Houses were subsequently moved to the Brighton Fringe. However, to clarify the visual arts offered during the city’s festival period, as distinct from the many and various music and performance elements of the Fringe, a small group of Open Houses artists decided to separate out the Artists Open Houses to become a festival in its own right.
Hence Artists Open Houses (AOH) was formed in 2004, acting on the necessity of producing a brochure uniting all the individual trials. The initial idea was simple but soon expanded to include a full marketing campaign, coordinating a festival with a clear identity, making it easier for audiences to have a strong image of who we are and how to find the AOH venues. This has resulted in the AOH festival greatly expanding over time in both size and reputation.
Although the Artists Open Houses festival now stands as an important festival in its own right, it remains true to its roots, consulting extensively with all participating artists on the ways and directions in which it moves forward.
The Artists Open Houses has an ethos of inclusivity, welcoming all local practising artists of whatever age and at whatever stage of their career.
“We help artists connect with audiences in self-curated, non-traditional art spaces; which means usually (but not exclusively) artist’s own homes,” said the AOH Mission Statement, and went on as follows:
“To this end, we co-ordinate and promote Open House festivals during May, alongside the Brighton Festival, and in December. We also showcase artists’ work online throughout the year.
“Our ethos is inclusive rather than selective. We offer the service to all within the 01273 telephone code area, encouraging participation from artists and makers of all ages, at all stages of their careers, and from all parts of the community including school and college students and marginalised artists.
“Focusing on quality and value for money, we work to bring this dynamic mix of arts and crafts to the widest possible audience, providing visitors and viewers with engaging and inspiring experiences.
“We are the oldest and largest Open House movement, proud of our roots within the diverse and vibrant artists’ community of Brighton & Hove. We continue to innovate and evolve, reflecting the experience and professionalism as well as the youth and freshness of the city’s artists.”