With Somerset Art Works (SAW) Open Studios 2021 in full swing, we are thrilled to have the support of SAW patron, television presenter and designer Kevin McCloud who welcomes our sponsorship of the 2021 event, taking place across Somerset from 18 September – 3 October.
Kevin McCloud said:
“This autumn, in one of the largest Open Studios events to date, Somerset Art Works members will offer visitors a fully immersive cultural experience. A new printed and interactive venue map and listings, together with an Open Studios Guide App, will enable visitors to explore all 205 venues both in-person and online. As SAW’s patron, I’m very proud to support it.
“It plays an invaluable role in championing and celebrating a great range of work by Somerset artists, identifying emerging talent and supporting the thriving network of creativity in the county.
“After the challenges of 2020, it is great to see a local company like Acorn Property Group come forward to support Open Studios and these amazingly talented artists: I urge you to visit them in their studios and pop-up studios, in-person and online, for virtual tours, and enjoy these glorious 16 days of cultural exploration.”
Robin Squire, Regional Managing Director of our Bristol Region said:
“We are thrilled to be the headline sponsors of Somerset Art Works’ Open Studios 2021 – it is amazing to see so many artists and venues taking part across the sixteen days.
“The Acorn team are really excited by the Open Studios concept and the opportunity to offer two of our Show Homes as studio space for artists to use. We have worked with the wonderful SAW team who have connected us to local artists, with Sally Muir exhibiting at The Old Printworks, Frome and Angela Charles exhibiting at Cubis Bruton, Bruton. It has been inspiring to see the difference that our sponsorship has made, assisting with additional support and exposure for the event which will benefit local artists.”
Since the inception of Somerset Art Weeks in 1994, a celebration of the variety and quality of contemporary visual arts and crafts that can be found in Somerset, the Open Studios and Festivals Event has become a regular feature in the annual calendar for artists, studios and supporters throughout the county, delighting art lovers from near and far. The event also invites organisations and individuals with spaces that might form a temporary studio to make these spaces available to artists, as many are short of studio space in which to exhibit.
For 2021, visitors will be able to experience and explore artists’ workspaces in new and different ways. A fold-out venue map and listings will help visitors plan their journeys and navigate the 16 days of Open Studios. Also new for 2021 is an Open Studios App, providing full venue details in an easily accessible format, including art forms, accessibility information and opening times.
The App works offline and links to Google Maps to take visitors straight to the chosen studio.
Artists have made preparations to ensure that venues are Covid-safe including waiting areas and some venues may be open by appointment. Please follow the latest Government guidance when entering artists’ studios, including wearing a mask, hand sanitising, social distancing and complying with Covid safety information at each venue. Please check venue details before making a special journey- or phone ahead. Many venues will be happy for you to make an appointment.
Both artists’ work can be viewed via appointment at our Show Homes, or via virtual tour during the event. We look forward to welcoming you at The Old Printworks and Cubis Bruton very soon.
