A much-loved annual arts festival showcasing over 115 artists and makers, visitors to Open Up can explore a variety of creative studios in and around Sheffield: getting to meet the people behind the work, learn more about their processes and even buy work from the makers themselves.
Organised by the artists and makers themselves and taking place over two bank holiday weekends (29 Apr-1 May and 6-7 May), this well-established event is now in its 25th year and will again be showcasing a wide range of art forms in loads of interesting locations.
With many studios gathered in natural clusters across Sheffield and beyond they’re ideally located for a tour and, as they’re all handily listed in the free event brochure and on the web site www.openupsheffield.co.uk, you’re likely to find somewhere nearby to pop down and pay a visit to or something new and interesting a little further afield to go and see.
Offering the perfect excuse to grab a few friends and spend some time exploring Sheffield’s rich vein of innovation and creativity, as well as the opportunity to explore parts of the city you might not know so well, it’s a must-attend event for anyone interested in the arts and crafts. In homage to Open Up reaching its quarter century, we’ve rounded up five great reasons why it’s considered one of the most important events on the city’s cultural calendar.
It makes for a fantastic day out. Open Up is a very social event, popular with groups and families, where thousands of people join in with a city-wide festival using the event brochure to plan local trips and excursions to different neighbourhoods across the city. Exploring various parts of Sheffield through the medium of art sounds like a winner to us (and the opportunity to buy some unique works is a nice bonus!)
Sheffield is renowned as a City of Makers. Open Up brings together the wide array of art forms being practiced on our doorstep: painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, printing and paper working, textiles, photography, glass, woodworking, jewellery and metalworking – just to name a few!
In a world dominated by digital consumption, the opportunity to interact with these works of art and learn from the creatives behind them becomes even more valuable. You may well be surprised by what’s going on just around the corner from you – and here’s the perfect chance to immerse yourself into it!
Many artists and makers have spent a lifetime at their craft; they do Open Up because they want to meet people and share their passion and knowledge. Not only can you put a face to the name of an artist or maker whose work you admire, but you can support them directly while learning about traditional skills that form a key part of Sheffield’s cultural heritage, as well as the more contemporary forms of art growing the landscape.
Set up and run by the artists and makers themselves, the event removes the boundaries often present between artist and those interested in the arts and crafts.
Open Up is so much more than just an exhibition; and, although there is work for sale, I really want people to come and see my work and have a discussion about it. It’s a unique opportunity as there really aren’t that many galleries that will show local artists work and you rarely get the opportunity to speak to the maker in their studio – Mary Else, potter
If you’re thinking of taking up a hobby, it’s a great way to find out more from practitioners – for free! Visiting an open studio is a great way to get creative inspiration through seeing and talking about the work on display.
Sharing skills and knowledge is at the heart of Open Up’s ethos, so there will be demonstrations taking place and the opportunity to ask experienced artists and makers for advice on how to get involved yourself – whether that’s pointers on the best crafts and supplies or learning about useful techniques and materials.
I’ve always immensely enjoyed meeting and welcoming visitors; sharing my enthusiasm, hearing people’s comments and having conversations about my painting – it’s an essential part of being an artist, part of showing that you’re there and serious about what you do. – Stephen Todd, painter
The spaces themselves are fascinating! Many of the studios are based in old buildings steeped in history, inspirational creative hubs of art or even the artist’s’ own homes and gardens! It’s all about experiencing art at its source, engaging with passionate creatives and – most importantly – having plenty of fun while doing so!
For more information and to download the brochure for this year’s Open Up event, head to www.openupsheffield.co.uk.
