OPEN UP SHEFFIELD
At its heart Sheffield is a city of makers and is famed for having one of the highest concentrations of studios outside of London. This provides space for all manner of artists and makers across the city and beyond.
Building on this incredible asset, Open Up has been celebrating Sheffield’s cultural vibrancy and showcasing some of the city’s up and coming artists and makers for over 25 years. As well as the annual Open Up event we run exhibitions and seek to promote collaboration between artists and makers.
VISIT US
Open Up welcomes you to visit artists and makers in their studios showcasing their work over two weekends: Bank Holiday weekend 3rd/4th/5th/ May 2025 and 10th/11th May 2025. This annual event allows you to visit working studios, talk to the artists and makers and have the chance to buy original pieces of work. We include studios from a wide range of artforms including painters, ceramicists, printmakers, embroiderers, sculptors, jewellers and more.
It’s free to visit the studios and you can use our search tools to find your way around, or pick up the Guide from a studio or another public place. During the event studios are normally open from 11am to 5pm each day and there’s usually no need to book. Please see the artist page for more detailed information. You are welcome to contact the artists and makers all year round for sales and commissions, please contact them directly.
GETTING INVOLVED
If you are a new or established artist or maker and want to join in Open Up Sheffield we would love to hear from you.
Open Up Sheffield is run on a not-for-profit basis by its members. We have a small committee that works across the year to organise and market the event as well as helping artists and makers to welcome visitors into their studios. We are always looking for new people to join us, please get in touch if you can help.
Open Up Sheffield would like to thank our generous sponsors for this year, recognising our contribution to the City’s cultural life. We are always looking for new sponsors who will benefit from advertising on our website and in the Guide.
Images by ADVA Photography
