Skipton Open Studios back again in 2018
post Overview
Skipton Open Studios, sponsored by Skipton International, is back again this year with over 70 artists and creative groups taking part. And now, after nine successful years of the initiative, ArtHouse Jersey is redefining Skipton Open Studios for 2018.
For this first time, producers behind the event have extended the invitation to showcase the work from industries of Design, Music and Performing Arts, in addition to the array of visual artists already associated with the event. As always, there’s a huge range of artists participating, at all different career stages and working in almost every style and medium imaginable. This year you can also look forward to a programme of special events, workshops for all age groups, demos, private views and more.
Participating studios and creative spaces across the Island will be free for the public to visit during the weekends of the 23rd-24th June and 30th June-1st July.
Alice Bravery, Producer at ArtHouse Jersey, said: ‘‘Each year we try to mix up the formula of the Open Studios to keep it exciting for local artists and the wider Jersey community. This year it felt essential to broaden the definition of an ‘Open Studio’ to celebrate the wider spectrum of creative people making all kinds of interesting and original work here on the island. We’re so fortunate to have such a diverse range of talented makers in Jersey and we want to shine a spotlight on their abilities by allowing behind-the-scenes access to their creative process. For visitors there’s no better opportunity to get a sense of the true artistic undercurrent of the island, which plays a hugely important role in our culture and community."
First launched in May 2008, Open Studios was created in response to the lack of public art gallery space for local artists to showcase their work. Since 2014, the event has seen Taster Exhibitions at CCA International Gallery, community art projects taking place in the Royal Square, a steam-roller bring utilized as a print-press, a large scale mural being painted on Normans Commercial Buildings, special one-off screenings at Havres des Pas, and thousands of locals and visitors to the island visiting visual artists studios.
This year, several artists will also be presenting their work in historic properties such as Le Moulin de Quétivel and Grève de Lecq Barracks, thanks to partnerships developed with the National Trust for Jersey. Venues like the Frances Le Sueur Centre in St Ouen’s Bay, La Folie Studios and 10 and 20 Commercial Buildings will also house several artists’ exhibitions in one place, a great chance for the public to see several open studios at once. Exhibition venues including The Harbour Gallery will present the work of their members, and CCA International’s Summer Show will coincide with Open Studios to showcase work of selected local artists.
2017 saw ArtHouse Jersey take a break from the Skipton Open Studios to pursue the Skipton Arts Series - the umbrella term that encompasses the Open Studios as well as other community arts events throughout the coming year. 2017 events included the successful Paper Talks project which saw thousands of islanders try their hand at the art of paper-cutting, and commissioned projects including the DIY Terrarium Project run by Will Bertram at the Link Gallery and Ben Robertson’s Mural Project, amongst others.
Aaron Waldon, Commercial Manager, Skipton International said: “We have supported ArtHouse Jersey for many years now as their community arts events bring Jersey to life and are something the whole Island can become involved with. Extending the scope of artists able to participate in this year’s Open Studios will no doubt bring new energy to the event and more importantly provide a larger platform to showcase local talent.”
Check out the last Skipton Open Studios programme in 2016:
ArtHouse Jersey | Skipton Open Studios 2016
Check ArtHouse Jersey's website for regular programme updates and visit their social media pages for further information. For press enquiries and further information, not currently listed on the website, please contact Producer Alice Bravery by email on alice@arts.je or phone 01534 617521.
