Category:Artists Open Houses

2019 event catalogue [image info]

2021 event catalogue [image info]

The Brighton Artists Open House festival happens twice a year, in May, and November/December.

The event aims to connect artists directly to viewers and prospective buyers directly, without having to go via conventional gallery spaces. Artists display their works in impromptu spaces, and often in their own homes, while the organisers put together listings, maps, and printed and online promotional details.

The May AOH coincides with the Brighton Festival.

2019 promotional text:

Artists Open Houses

4-26 May 2019
This May sees over 1,500 artists and makers exhibiting their work in artists' homes and studios - providing a snapshot into the world of the city's artists. The Artists Open Houses offer festival-goers the chance to meet the artists and to view locally made, seriously good arts and crafts. The festival is also an inclusive, community event, embracing artists of all ages, at all stages of their careers, including recent graduates and school and college students. AOH welcomes artists from all areas of the community, especially those who may otherwise be excluded from the mainstream art world and who may have experienced periods of homelessness, are in recovery, have learning disabilities or metal health issues.
Visiting Open Houses offers the chance to chat to the artists and to buy work directly from them. The hugely diverse range of artwork on show includes paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, installation and performance, as well ceramics, textiles, jewellery and work in many other media.
Plan your visit around the 14 individual trails listed in the AOH brochure, or take your pick from the wealth of venues on offer. The Open Houses stretch from Portslade to Kemptown and out to Rottingdean, Newhaven and the South Downs village of Ditchling.
Entry to the houses is free and many Open Houses also offer the opportunity to get involved, providing workshops and events for both adults and children. With homemade tea and cake on offer too, the Artists Open Houses are a very special weekend treat.

Opening times

Most Open Houses are open May weekends from 11.00-17.00, but opening times may vary from venue, to so it is best to check individual brochure listings. Some venues are also open on weekdays and many open for both the May Bank Holiday Mondays.