Membership FAQ’s

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?

We will be publishing the membership fees for the SEOS 2025 event shortly.

Q: Does SEOS take a commission on any sales?

No commission is payable to SEOS.

Q: When is the deadline to join?

Early bird discounted registration will open on 9 December through to 31 December, and the full fee registration runs from early January through to 31 January 2025.

Q: What is an ACO?

An Area Co-ordinator – also a participating maker – manages and 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.

If you would like to become an ACO in an area that is not already served, please contact SEOS.

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 6 – 22 June 2025. We recommend that you try and open for at least 4-5 days. Weekends usually bring more visitors, whereas open days during the week gives other artist the opportunity to visit and network. By agreeing to take part, artist commit themselves to being present at their studio and open on the days and times published in the guide.

Q: Can you help me find somewhere to exhibit?

Yes, we have 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.

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: 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 have a studio space share board to help match venues and artists to accommodate everyone who wishes to take part in the event

Q: What do I get for the fee and what are the benefits of SEOS membership?

• An entry in the SEOS Open Studios Guide.

• A supply of guides and signage as may be made available, without further charge;

• Your own artist studio page on the SEOS website as well as an artist portfolio page, both of which will be publicly visible for twelve months from early January of the relevant year. It’s like your own artist website!

• The opportunity to list your events and workshops on the SEOS website all year round

  
  

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.