How to Join - Group Membership

Benefits

• Year round membership including taking part in the most extensive Open Studio event in the South East.
• Group entry in 31,500 copies of the printed Guide distributed across Kent and East Sussex. This is used as an artists’ directory long after the event.
• Group website entry with link to group’s website and studio location map.
• Support from management team and local area coordinator.
• Publicity and advertising for the event.
• Regular newsletter, bulletins and email updates (to group contact).

Dates: The next event takes place 1st – 17th June 2012

Group size: Groups must be a minimum of six participants sharing one studio or in separate studios at the same location.

Your studio: This should be an open studio, not a gallery. If group members are not in their own studio, tools, equipment, sketchbooks etc must be available to show the public how their work is produced. Group members should consider giving demonstrations. Indicate demonstration days on your application.

Commitment: During open times at least half of the group must be present. You must agree to open your studio on the days you have specified and are published in the guide and on the website.

How to apply: A Group application form (G1) is to be completed by one member of the group who will be the group contact. Group member forms (G2) must also be completed and sent with the Group application form. Six members can use one form, use as many as necessary. Both forms are available on the Downloads page or send an A5 SAE to- SEOS Database Officer, 186 Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford, Kent TN25 4NX. Group applications can only be made by post.

Cost: The fee for each participant is £75. The total amount for the group to be paid in full with your application.

Application deadline: Tuesday 31st January 2012. Entries received after the deadline may not be accepted. If they are accepted, they will be subject to a £30 surcharge per group member (total £105 per person).

Images: Guide and website entries will have one image for every six group members, e.g. 6-8 members, two images. 9-12 members, three images. For image specifications please see Rules, Guidelines, Hints & Tips. More images and text may be added to your website entry at extra cost- see Extend your web page. Both are available on the Downloads page.

Website limitation: Name and category searches on our website will find the group name but not individual group members. Individual names will be indexed in the printed guide.

More information: Please make contact with your area coordinator (ACO), who will be able to offer advice, coordinate opening times in your area and keep you updated with the latest information. Your ACO area can be found on the Area Coordinator map (available to view or download from the Downloads page) and your Area Coordinator's contact details on the Area Coordinator page.

Not sure about joining SEOS? Here are a few comments from participants in 2011:

“Stimulating sharing with other artists working in a variety of media. Bringing the general public to see a variety of artwork and meet the artists is a positive and good result.”

“Another wonderful year”

“Sales were better than expected. I think weekends are best as only a few visitors during the week. But well done SEOS a good experience, excellent directory - thanks.

“It has proved a great communicator. I'm very happy with the outcome.”

“This is the first year I have taken part so didn't really know what to expect. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and met some really interesting and diverse people.”

“Good - more people than expected.”

“Enjoyed the 2 weeks enormously and was stunned by how much I made in sales!!!”

“Think the book works and people had looked at my website too.

Confused by the different types of membership?
See our reference chart.