What is the difference between Worcestershire Open Studios Membership and Art Week registration?
Worcestershire Open Studios offers annual membership for artists/makers who would like to enjoy the benefits of being part of the network without taking part in our August Art Week. We understand that not everyone is able to commit to the event each year.
If you would like to participate in our hugely popular August Art Week, you must first become an approved member. There is an additional registration fee to take part, which directly contributes towards the costs of running the event.
What is Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week?
Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week (WOSAW) is the county’s largest free art event. Every year, our member artists and makers open their studios, homes, and creative spaces to the public, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to meet them, discover their creative process, and be inspired by their work.
It’s also a valuable selling opportunity – our 2025 event generated more than £150,000 in artwork sales, with many artists receiving commissions and follow-up sales afterwards. Visitors consistently tell us that meeting the artist is what makes WOSAW so special.
We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting artists and makers across Worcestershire and encouraging creativity within our wider community.
Membership Applications or Renewal / Registration for Art Week 2026 opens on 14th February and closes on 25th March.
How do people choose which studios to visit?
Each year we evaluate visitor feedback and consistently hear that people come to:
- See artwork
- Meet and talk to artists and makers
- Buy artwork
- Get inspiration and creative ideas
Visitors choose who to visit primarily from the guide and website listings, especially the image of your work, combined with the type of art or craft they’re interested in and the geographical area they’re exploring.
Do I need to be a member to take part?
Yes. All practising artists and makers who are strongly committed to their art form and live or frequently work in Worcestershire or close to the county border are very welcome to apply. Membership includes:
- A year-round, updateable profile/gallery on our website
- Access to partner discounts and opportunities
- The ability to post your events, workshops and exhibitions for free
- Eligibility to take part in WOSAW (there is an additional event fee)
- You can read the full Benefits of Membership on our website.
How much does it cost to take part?
Once you’re a member (£35 annually or £10 for 16-25yr olds)), the event fee is:
£105 per person for artists/makers exhibiting alone
£95 per person for those exhibiting as part of a group
These fees remain unchanged from 2025.
What do the fees cover?
Membership fees cover ongoing website costs, while event fees support the production and countywide distribution of around 20,000 brochures, posters and other marketing efforts.
Unlike some Open Studios events, every participant – whether exhibiting alone or as part of a group- receives the same amount of space and the same-sized image in the printed guide; this is the fairest way to promote all participants equally bearing in mind that visitors often keep their guides to use as a reference throughout the year.
Group venues share a venue number, and artists are listed clearly (a, b, c, etc.). This clarity is essential, as visitors use their guide profiles to decide who to visit and often keep the brochure as a long-term local art directory.
Will there be a printed guide this year?
Yes. Each participating artist or group receives a full entry including:
- One image of artwork
- Artform description
- Opening times
- Venue facilities
You will receive copies to distribute locally, and we also supply guides to tourist information centres, libraries and selected venues across the county. Your help in distributing them is vital and is, by far, the principal way in which visitors discover WOSAW.
Do I need to open my venue for the full ten days?
While visitors tend to assume studios are open every day, we understand that may not be possible for everyone. You are not required to open for all ten days – but we strongly encourage you to open for as many as you can.
Visitor feedback shows:
- People are often disappointed when venues open for only a few days
- Venues that open for both weekends receive more visitors
- Weekdays can attract serious buyers seeking quieter browsing time
- Workshops and demonstrations significantly increase footfall
We ask that everyone open both weekends if possible, as this improves visitor experience and supports neighbouring venues. Ultimately, it’s your choice – but you must open on the days and times exactly as you have listed them in the guide to avoid disappointing visitors.
Although our marketing promotes the event as a whole rather than individual artists, those who open for more days (at least both weekends) will gain greater visibility. This means they are more likely to be included in promotional opportunities, such as photographer visits and external ‘call-outs’ like the Church Walk Exhibition. Featuring those with wider availability allows us to present a more accurate picture to potential visitors of who they can expect to meet across the entire event.
Weekend Hours: you should be open fot a minimum of 6 hours each day
Weekday Hours: you should be open for a minimum of 3 hours each day
We may be able to accommodate slight changes to hours in case of health requirements or venue restrictions.
My studio is too small for multiple visitors – what can I do?
You have several options:
- Set up outdoors if you have suitable outdoor space
- Exhibit with another member at their venue
- Use our noticeboard-style Venue Match platform to find a co-exhibitor or alternative location
- Alternative venues must be within or on the border of Worcestershire.
What if I can’t be at my studio every day?
Visitors expect to meet the artist -that’s what makes WOSAW different from a gallery or exhibition. You must be present on the days you have advertised.
If you are part of a group opening all 10 days, you must ensure at least 75% of exhibitors are present each day and you must be present for the opening days/hours that you have put in your profile. If you are open for less than the 10 days then you must be there during all opening hours. Being there in person greatly increases your chances of making sales and building future connections.
Can I sell my work?
Absolutely. While visitors don’t expect a shop, they do hope for the opportunity to buy something if they fall in love with your work.
A welcoming, engaging studio experience often leads to sales – not only during the event but afterwards too, when visitors look you up online or return for commissions.
Sales and visitor numbers to individual venues do vary and this is beyond the control of the organisers, you must do all you can to spread the word in your area.
The organisation cannot guarantee if/how many visitors your venue will receive, nor how much you will sell. We do our utmost, within financial and volunteer time constraints, to publicise the whole event widely but you must play your part too. Make sure that you tell your neighbours, your friends and your family and ensure that you leave leaflets, guides and posters in places like local shops, cafes and community centres.
What if I need to cancel?
Before 28th March 2026: full refund
On or after 28th March 2026: no refund (your details will already be in the printed guide design)
If you must cancel after the guide has gone to print, please inform us as soon as possible so we can update the website – during the event, please also display a ‘Closed’ sign at your venue. We strongly recommend that you avoid cancelling as this leads to visitor disappointment and damages both your own, and the organisations, reputation.
Do I have to pay commission on sales?
No – WOSAW does not take commission. If you are taking part at an external venue then you will/may have a separate arrangement with them.
We do ask you to record your general sales figures to share with us, as this helps us assess and improve the event for future years.
Can I update my event profile?
Your guide entry will be created from the information you submit at registration.
We can correct errors until 25th March 2026, when registration closes.
After that point, no further changes are possible as the guide will be prepared for print.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. You must have Public Liability Insurance to cover visitors while they’re on your premises. You may also wish to insure your artwork and consider professional indemnity insurance. Providers such as SAA, Axisweb and a-n.co.uk offer reasonably priced options.
Check whether participation affects your home insurance policy.
Will you supply marketing materials?
Yes. You will receive printed guides/flyers, posters, handouts and road signage to help promote the event locally. You will be given the opportunity to purchase additional signage, such as large format banners, should you feel that it is necessary.
Can I create my own marketing materials?
Yes. We will provide a customisable template so you can design your own posters and postcards if you wish. Our logo must be used.
Can I use the WOSAW logo?
Yes – participants will receive an approved WOS logo for use in their own marketing materials.
On social media, please use #worcestershireopenstudios and tag @worcestershireopenstudios to help visitors discover you.
Can I run demonstrations or ‘Have a Go’ sessions?
Yes, please do!
Visitors love seeing how you work, and demos or workshops are a brilliant way to increase footfall – especially in quieter weekday periods. These activities can be promoted on our website and highlighted in our event marketing.
Do I need to offer refreshments?
No, but it is recommended to have water available for visitors and a chair to sit on – the week can be warm and visitors are generally very appreciative that you have considered their comfort.
Do I need to let visitors use my toilet?
Only if you are happy to do so.
Do I have to allow dogs?
No. We are aware that some visitors like to bring dogs. We do not encourage this but ultimately it is up to you as to whether you allow them. We suggest that visitors contact you directly to ask whether you allow dogs. Please don’t feel that you can’t politely decline the request.
I’ve never taken part before – what support is available?
We’re here to help. Support includes:
- A Q&A Zoom briefing for both new and returning artists
- Regular update emails with useful information
- A private Facebook members’ group for questions
- Direct support via contact@worcestershireopenstudios.org
- Contact with an ‘Area Champion’ to help provide support for your area
We’re a friendly creative community and we’re delighted to welcome you.