Project Brighton: Artists Open Houses opens its doors wide, as they share their excitement at the trails running through the city, the region, into the lives of the societally excluded and of the artists of tomorrow.

Ed Briggs, New Grounds – Projects trail

We’re really excited that the Artists Open Houses festival is bigger and better than ever this May, with over 200 Open House venues opening their doors all round the city and out to Saltdean, Rottingdean and beyond. The festival is a real celebration of talent of the 1,000 plus artists and makers living in the city and region.

As well as the many Open House trails within the city, there is also a trail of 18 houses in the beautiful Downland village of Ditchling – and also venues in the countryside villages of Hassocks, Streat and South Heighton.

Atelier 51 – Beyond The Level trail

Our festival is an inclusive event, welcoming participation from all areas of the community – anyone can take part so long as they live in the area and consider themselves to be an artist! Alongside a plethora of amazing established artists and makers, Artists Open Houses venues include several schools. This year PACA Academy in Portslade, Varndean, Dorothy Stringer and Brighton and Hove High School, will all be showing work of school students of all ages.

Flamingo House – Hove trail

This year we have introduced a great new project for young and emerging artists called New Grounds, which includes storytelling, performance, dance and sound art, at three different venues (see the Projects trail on the AOH website).

Our festival is an inclusive event, welcoming participation from all areas of the community

We also welcome participation from artists potentially otherwise excluded form the art world mainstream, including those experiencing periods of homelessness, in recovery from drug and alcohol issues, mental health issues and artists with learning disabilities. Winner of the Latest’s Best Open House Award last year was Montefiore Artists, where all exhibited work is made by artists with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs.

Sophie Wake – Kemptown trail

Its important to us that visitors can also explore their own creativity, and many Artists Open Houses offer workshops and events for both adults and children (see the Events page of the AOH website).

When you need a break from looking at all the great art and crafts on show, many Open Houses also offer wonderful homemade tea and cakes. Also, don’t forget to vote for your favourite Open House throughout the festival (see homepage of AOH website): The winning venue will be awarded the annual Latest Best Open House Award.

Sue Penrose Mosaics – Brunswick trail

Chris Lewis, South Heighton – Coastal trail

Over 200,000 people visit the Artists Open Houses annually, many buying their first piece of art as a result, as well as getting to meet and talk to some of the amazing 1,000 plus exhibiting artists and makers.

Pick up a copy of the brochure at stations, libraries, museums, AOH venues and around town – or take a look at: www.aoh.org.uk