York Open Studios Call For Artists 2027

Overview

York Open Studios is York's longest running arts festival, held across the weekends of 17-18 and 24-25 April 2027. Selected artists open their workshops, studios, and homes to the public to meet visitors and demonstrate their creative practice. The festival supports students, newly emerging, and established artists.

Key dates

• Application deadline: 11:59 pm, Saturday 25 July 2026
• Preview evening (optional): Friday 16 April, 6-9 pm
• Opening hours: Saturday 17 April – Sunday 18 April, 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday 24 April – Sunday 25 April, 10 am – 5 pm

Eligibility

You must live or have a permanent studio within ten miles of York city centre and be 18 or over. You must create original 2D, 3D, or digital work. You must be present at your venue during all published opening times on both weekends.

Venue requirements

• Use your own permanent studio, workshop, home, or educational establishment where you teach or are artist in residence
• Borrowed or hired venues are not permitted; short-term or temporary charity lets are not acceptable
• Up to five artists can share a venue if at least one uses the space permanently
• More than five permanent residents may show together, but cannot host additional guest artists
• Only selected artists' work can be displayed during opening times

Fees and commission

• No fee to submit an application
• Selected artists pay £130 (or £65 for full-time students and recent arts graduates within 2 years)
• Artists pay 10% commission on sales over £300
• Fees and commission fund the directory, website, social media, and publicity

Selection process

An independent panel of arts professionals from outside the York area selects artists based on originality, quality, range of disciplines, visitor appeal, use of materials, composition, consistent style, professional presentation, and high-quality image submission.