What is Open Up Sheffield?

Open Up Sheffield is an annual event in which artists and makers open their studios to the public.  It is organised on a not-for-profit basis by a committee of Sheffield artists who are also participating artists.  Open Up Sheffield is primarily about opening your working space to the public.  Visitors need to be able to see your working practices and not just your finished work.  Therefore, it is not just an exhibition of an artist’s work.

Who can take part in Open Up?

Anyone who is an established or emerging artist or maker engaged in creating original work and resides in the Sheffield or surrounding area.

Do I need to have my own studio?

Ideally you should have a studio or working space of your own that can be open to visits by the public.  The important thing is that visitors can see your working processes and talk to you about your work.

What if I don’t have my own studio or it’s not suitable to open up?

You can share with another person who has a studio space although separate fees will need to be paid for each artist or maker participating.

My studio is in a shared group space, can I still participate as an individual artist?

Yes, you may still apply as an individual artist or as part of a Studio Group. We recommend you check for permission from your studio manager and your fellow studio holders prior to application

How do I apply?

Go to the Open Up website ‘Members’ page for the online application form. 

What are the dates of the event?

The Open Up Sheffield festival event takes place during the first bank holiday weekend in May Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and the following weekend Saturday and Sunday.

When is the deadline for applying?

Please see Key Dates

How much does it cost?
To participate as an artist, advertiser or sponsor, please see our Prices page

What do the fees cover?

Your membership fee lasts for a year. Member benefits can be found here

Do you charge commission on sales?   

No, Open Up does not charge commission on sales, just the flat rate membership fee.

Do visitors have to pay to visit the studio?

No, the event is free to visitors.

What benefits are there to being a member of Open Up Sheffield?

Member benefits can be found here.

What are my obligations as a member of Open Up Sheffield?

As a Member of Open Up Sheffield and participating artist/maker, you will be expected to:

• Present your own original work; a reasonable proportion of which should be new work made in the last 12 months
• Focus on showing your working methods and techniques in the context of exhibiting and selling your work
• Use your own mailing lists and social media to promote yourself and the event
• Advertise the event locally through displaying posters provided by Open Up Sheffield and by distributing the publicity materials provided to you
• Be open and present on the days advertised in the brochure and between the hours of 11am to 5pm on each of those days
• Present your studio in a way that is welcoming, accessible and safe for visitors
• Inform the OUS committee immediately of any change in circumstances or emergencies which may affect your ability to participate
• Provide your own Public Liability Insurance (please note that Open Up Sheffield does NOT provide insurance to cover your studio)
• Give permission for the images and information you supply to be used on the website, in print and for promotional purposes.

Where can I find the Terms and Conditions?

You should read the full terms and conditions on the Open Up website Members page as acceptance of these is a condition of your application.

What criteria are applications assessed on?

There are no specific criteria for acceptance, but Open Up Sheffield is a family-friendly event and artwork should respect this.  The committee reserve the right to refuse an application on this or any other basis as seems appropriate.

I have taken part in Open Up Sheffield in the past, do I still need to apply?

Yes, the application process takes place annually.

Do I have to attend any meetings?

No, but you are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting and to contribute to promotion and feedback.  Open Up Sheffield is run entirely on a voluntary basis and as such new volunteers are always needed.   Please consider being part of the organising committee if you can.

What publicity will be provided as part of the opportunity?

We produce a high-quality brochure that is distributed throughout Sheffield and is also available as a pdf on the website.  We also use social media, a mailing list and local news outlets for publicity purposes.  Each artist has a profile listing in the brochure and on the Open Up website. This can include images/ video of work and links to social media.

Do I need to open every day of the event?

Open Up Sheffield takes place over 5 days in May, but you can choose which days you are open, and this will be publicised on your profile page and in the brochure.

What are the opening hours?

If you participate in Open Up Sheffield, you will be required to be open each day between 11am and 5pm. It’s important to keep to the hours agreed so as to have a consistent approach and not to disappoint visitors who may have travelled to see you.

Do I need to be present?

Yes, you must be present at your studio venue on the days that you are open and be prepared to show visitors your working space and discuss your working methods.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, you must take out public liability insurance yourself.  This is available from several organisations such as:

https://www.a-n.co.uk
https://www.curatorspace.com/about/pricing
https://www.saa.co.uk/discover-membership/
https://www.axisweb.org/article/a-guide-to-public-liability-insurance-for-artists-and-art-professionals/
https://www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/public-liability-artists-insurance/