Media Coverage

Back in June 1997, sixty artists living around Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells got together and, with the help of two Arts Development Officers, opened their studios to the public during two weeks in June. Since then, the annual event has grown steadily in scale and stature year by year. South East Open Studios is now in its ninth year and is even bigger than ever. Over 290 artists in Kent and East Sussex will be throwing open their studio doors and inviting the public inside.

In this age of instant communication, nearly everyone has become used to the virtual world of the Internet, but in the world of art there will never be a substitute for the magic of encountering the real thing. So it is with networking – more and more artists recognise the value of working together to make their studios and their work more accessible to the public, and hence the growing collaborative movement by artists to organise open studio events.

For anyone interested in owning a unique piece of art, this is an ideal opportunity to see the art where it is created, and to talk to the artists and makers about their work. For anyone thinking about having something specially designed, this is an ideal opportunity to find out how to go about it. But this is not the sole purpose of the open studio – there is no pressure to buy. Many people visit the studios just for the experience of seeing the art (usually without the signs saying Do Not Touch) and talking informally to the artists who make it. New comers are sometimes inspired to start making art themselves, and artists may be prompted to try new techniques. And of course, whatever the reason for visiting, browsing around a number of studios makes a great day out.

A 56-page guidebook, illustrated in full-colour, is available free from libraries and tourist offices across the South East from 1 June. To receive a copy by post, send an A5 SAE (58p stamp) to Lee O'connor, South East Open Studios. 14 Knaves Acre, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9TJ. The guide and much more information is available on www.southeastopenstudios.org.uk

Further press information at: http://www.southeastopenstudios.org.uk

SEOS Press Officers: Liz Garnett Tel: 01303 812 678 lizgarnett@aol.com

Helen Mayer Tel: 01303 276 416 Hcmayer44@aol.com