The success of Open Studios Sunshine Coast is directly reliant on all artists and galleries participating adhering to the guidelines set out by Arts Connect Inc (ACI).
Artists and galleries must open for 10am - 4pm on both days of Open Studios in their area.
Participants must be prepared to actively promote the overall event in collaboration with ACI and where possible individual artists should be prepared to find opportunities to work with their fellow artists on their trail, to create awareness of artists in their local area.
Working together
Participating in the ACI Open Studio Program also means working together to achieve the best result.
Artists registered are expected to assist with the following:
- Sharing the event on social media.
- Promoting in your local area.
- Assist with promotional material drops in your local area.
- Assisting with marketing programs as announced by ACI.
- Complete and submit visitors / statistic forms to ACI.
- To assist with fundraising campaigns as decided upon, by the Co-ordinators and committee of ACI Open Studios.
- Make guests feel welcome and important
The success of Open Studios relies on artists presenting themselves in a professional manner and providing a welcoming atmosphere when guests approach their studios and while they are their you are available, approachable and willing to engage.
Sadly a bad experience at one Open Studio could mean that it may be the last stop for guests.
Tips to engaging with studio visitors
Keep in mind that your guests could be just as nervous as you are and may be too shy to ask questions.
A good start is to make the effort to to acknowledge visitors, say hi and smile at them, which will help make them (and you) feel comfortable and included.
If you have several different groups come at the same time, don’t panic, just say hello to everyone, tell them all to ask about anything they see that interests them.
If they are already looking a one of your display pieces you can chat about that piece.
Have something to work on that is interesting
Guests love to see artists working and you can let them know a bit about the piece that you are working on, you can explain what you are doing or let them know they are free to ask questions as you go.
Top Tip: if you’re shy, put bullet point notes around your studio to help you remember interesting points about your practice or even short artist statements about several works, it doesn’t have to be polished, just points of interest to draw in the audience.
Display any art books you may have, put as much of your work up on the wall as you can and any other objects or quotes that inspire you- it will inspire your visitors too!
Ensure your signage is clear and easy to follow and safe
The guests’ experience can be disappointing if they find it difficult to follow signs, park their car and access the studio.
You will be supplied with Open Studios branded signage to direct visitors.
Make sure parking instructions on the website are correct and clear, most visitors will rely on this information to inform their choice of artist studio as well as location.
For example- parking available onsite/ street parking only/ park and walk 200m/ buses welcome.
Top tip: make sure signs are clearly visible from the road and in a safe position that won’t obstruct pedestrians or become dislodged easily.
Do a visual check of your signs early on the day you are opening your studio to make sure they are all up and facing the right way!
Open Studios regions and opening times
Open Studios is divided into Hinterland and Coast regions. Studios that sit in the Hinterland region will be opening their studios on May 17th -18th from 10am-4pm.
The Coastal studios will open their studios March 24th-25th from 10am-4pm. Studios will only be open on one weekend but may choose to open during the week on days chosen by the artists in the registration form.
These dates will appear in the printed guide so must be available on those dates once the guide has gone to print.
Any changes to your opening days and times must be emailed to openstudios@artsconnectinc.com.au before February 3, 2025.
Open the hours that are advertised
You must be open for the dates for your area Coastal or Hinterland and between the hours of 10am - 4pm as specified in the guide
Remember this is a professional opportunity for you to showcase your work to new audiences, so your approach needs to reflect that at all times.
For visitors to set the day aside and visit Open Studios only to find that the first one is not open after being advertised is extremely disappointing and can have an impact on other artists.
Top Tip: Have morning tea and lunch pre-packed and on hand. Maybe bring the jug into your studio, or have a thermos of hot water to make yourself a cuppa during the day.
It’s ok to have a break while visitors are there as long as you are willing to chat, but it’s not ok to not be in your studio while it is open.
Promote and work with other studios that are open
Take some time out to find out other studios that are open on your trail and encourage guests to visit them.
Contact other studios in your area and share the brochure drop at our local village/town. Share each other’s studio DL’s or business cards.
Top Tip: ACI is all about connecting artists, so come to workshops or meetings, share and comment on social media, volunteer to do a job, and you will make those valuable connections, it will be worth it, trust us.
Keep a safe and clean environment
While guests may love to see a messy studio a condition of this agreement that your studio maintains health and safety standards. You need to ensure you have clear pathways, no tripping hazards, caps on solvents, and no frightening dogs on the loose.
Top Tip: Eclectic is good, displaying objects, books and artworks that inspire you as well as your own work helps to create an engaging environment and a valuable glimpse into your practice. The smell of oil paint is a wonderful thing, but make sure your windows are open and solvents have child proof lids on.
Extra points for keeping them out of reach of children- many families visit, so think of what is at a child’s eye height and make sure that it’s safe and unbreakable (or that you don’t mind it getting broken!)
Display artwork for sale with prices and information
Guests love to read about artwork as they look at it and they often hate to ask for prices. Clearly displaying, labelling and pricing your work will assist with sales.
Top tip: If your prices are similar, write yourself a pricelist and have a plan of action if someone wants a deal on multiple purchase- if the next person doesn’t get the same deal they will be very disappointed.
Also consider how much the work is worth in a gallery setting, again, if someone purchases a work from a gallery or competition for X amount, and it is significantly cheaper in the artist’s studio they will be disappointed. NB- If you are represented by a gallery we require you to check your agreement with them or discuss how to manage studio sales.
Definition of a studio
A studio does not need to be permanent, and may be something other than your working space, however you are required to ensure an experience consistent with Open Studios.
If the studio is part of your dwelling, please make every effort to ensure visitors have a professional experience.
You may also look at what options there are for you to share a space with someone else, or to hire a small hall, meeting room, or other venue to set up for the weekend.
Top Tip: If in doubt, make contact with the coordinator, and Arts Connect Inc will endeavour to assist you in any way with advice or perhaps assist in working in a shared space instead.
Working with galleries
It is a requirement of participation that you declare your association with a commercial gallery. If you are represented by a gallery you must contact your gallery regarding arrangements for sales, commission, etc.
Top Tip: Honesty is the best policy. Galleries work hard to represent you and sell your work, and are integral to the arts across the planet. Have the discussion with your gallery, and work to a fair and equitable arrangement.
