Q: What are the dates for SEOS 2026?
Our artist open studios event will run from Friday 5th – Sunday 21st of June 2026
Q: Can anyone join SEOS?
Any artists or makers aged 18+ working in any medium and living or working in Kent, East Sussex and parts of Mid Sussex or with a connection to those areas are eligible to sign up for South East Open Studios. SEOS is a non-selective event and anyone is encouraged to join.
Q: What areas does SEOS cover?
SEOS covers a large part of Kent, East Sussex as well as parts of Mid Sussex.
Q: How much does it cost to join SEOS?
Membership fee for SEOS 2026 – 30th Anniversary is £125 per artist member.
Q: Does SEOS take a commission on any sales?
No commission is payable to SEOS.
Q: When is the deadline to join?
Registration will open the week of 17 November 2025 and run until 31 January 2026.
Q: What do I get for the fee and what are the benefits of SEOS membership?
Your individual 1/4 page entry in the printed and online version of the SEOS Open Studios Guide
In 2025 23,000 copies were printed and distributed throughout Kent and parts of Sussex.A supply of event guides and signage, without any further charge
Your own artist studio page on the SEOS website as well as an artist portfolio page with up to 12 images, for a whole year from early February.
Embedded videos, social media and selling sites can also be included. It’s like your own artist website, with links to your social media accounts!- Support via your local area coordinator
- Listing and promotion of your events and workshops on the SEOS website all year round. In November-December we feature a listing of Christmas events and workshops in which SEOS artists are participating.
- Publicity, promotion and advertising in selected publications and online
- Social media posts throughout the year
- Regular newsletters
- Be part of your local artistic community
Q: What is an ACO?
An Area Co-ordinator – also a participating maker – supports the artists and makers in their district, e.g. Ashford, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells. The ACO will organise distribution of the guides and flyers and suggest places they could be dropped. They also can help with coordinating open days and arrange pre-SEOS-event meet-ups for the district group to meet and discuss topics such as ‘how to promote each other in their district’.
Your ACO offers any support you need, especially if you are a newcomer!
Please feel free to contact your ACO if you have questions about SEOS Membership.
| Area | ACOs | Tel | |
| Ashford | ACO VACANCY | CAN YOU HELP? | |
| Maidstone | Cheryl Cunningham | 07748 167001 | cheryl@breatheart.co.uk |
| Tonbridge & Malling | Ray Taylor | 07973 123 323 | rayt4ylor@gmail.com |
| Tunbridge Wells | Maria Russell | 07982 232426 | marussell@hotmail.co.uk |
| Wealden & Mid Sussex | Jeannette Towey | 07767 221507 | jetoweyartist@gmail.com |
| Sevenoaks | Frances Wells | 07952 480495 | Francesw088@gmail.com |
| Swale | Jade | 07504 612655 | lilaroseclothes@outlook.com |
| Rother & Hastings | Lorraine Singer | 07767 262979 | lorraine.a.singer@gmail.com |
| Dover, Folkestone & Hythe | Jude Kingshott | 07816 833799 | jude.kingshott@btinternet.com |
If you would like to become an ACO in an area that is not already served, please contact SEOS.
Note: We offer FREE ENTRY TO SEOS 2026 FOR AREA CO-ORDINATORS
Q: When does my studio need to be open?
You can choose to open which dates you open your studio to visitors between the dates of 5 – 21 June 2026. We recommend that you open for at least 4-5 days. Weekends usually bring more visitors, whereas open days during the week give other artists the opportunity to visit and network. By agreeing to take part, artists commit themselves to being present at their studio and open on the days and times published in the guide.
Q: Do I have to have my own studio?
Whilst it is great to be able to greet visitors in your own studio, we realise that sometimes that is not possible. We will have a studio space share board to help match venues and artists to accommodate everyone who wishes to take part in the event. Details to follow soon.
Q: Can you help me find somewhere to exhibit?
Yes, we have set up a studio space share board on our website, where artists can list space wanted listings as well as list any studio space they wish to share with other artists. Details to follow soon.
Q: Can several artists join as a group?
Yes, you can open a studio space with a group of artists to display their work in one venue.
Q: How is the event promoted?
The open studio event is promoted via our website, the guide brochure as well as our Instagram, Facebook and Threads Social Media channels. We will also be advertising the event in selected print publications and via our newsletters.
Individual and group members are encouraged to support the event by promoting it to their contacts and on their social media channels.
Q: How can I sign up?
Follow this link to the Signing up page