With the entry fee plus other expenses to cover, participating artists have to be confident of selling their work. And that's a pity, because it makes for quite a static event, with the same kind of art and artists appearing every year. Ultimately that's not good for anyone.
I took part as new graduate in 2006, when the event was still supported by Exeter City Council. I didn't sell a thing but it didn't matter because registration was only £50.00 - for a group of six. We had a good experience and so did many of the people who visited us. Since then, artist registration has continued to rise in price and I've considered it but never committed again.
Perhaps Exeter Open Studios could consider an annual 'bursary' to cover the entry fee for a selected newcomer or more experimental artist? As these artists probably wouldn't otherwise participate, there's no loss of income and it's a win-win situation, introducing new art and artists to the event. It could provide a much-needed element of discovery and surprise.
Exeter Open Studios takes place at venues across the city - Friday 4th - Sunday 6th November 2011.
Have just picked up a copy of the Devon Open Studios 2011 brochure to find that, with the help of a local business sponsor, they have offered Emerging Artist Bursaries to five artists "taking their first steps into professional arts practice, returning to creative practice after a career break or change, or taking their art in a new direction."
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