Joining Us & Taking Part in Art Week 2026

Membership applications for 2026, along with registration for Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week, will be open from 14th February to 25th March 2026. Art Week 2026 takes place from 22nd-31st August 2026.

We welcome applications from all practising artists and makers who are strongly committed to their art form and who live or frequently work in Worcestershire or close to the county border. After your membership application has been approved, you can then register for WOS Art Week should you wish to do so.

As a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation, we are funded entirely through membership fees, event fees and the generous support of our sponsors.

*NEW FOR 2026* ‘Young Artists & Makers’ Membership (16-25yrs)

If you are a young artist or maker committed to developing your practice and would like to enjoy the benefits of being a Worcestershire Open Studios Member, you can join from 14th February for just £10 per year (instead of £35).
If you wish to take part in Art Week, the normal event fees apply.

All members benefit from:

  • A year-round gallery of your work in our Worcestershire Artists and Makers Directory on our popular website which you can update regularly and link through to your website or social media.
  • Access to discounts on art materials, printing and framing provided by partner businesses who you can see under ‘Partners’ HERE
  • Ongoing PR and social media promotion designed to drive visitors to the website.
  • Promote your own workshops and courses on the website.
  • Promote your own exhibitions and events on the website.
  • Access to our members-only Facebook group to share ideas, opportunities, tips and support.
  • The opportunity to sign up for participation in Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week 2026 and benefit from the kudos and PR opportunities it provides.
  • Become part of our county’s thriving artistic network and help secure the future of Worcestershire Open Studios – without members, the event will not continue.

Why Take Part in Art Week 2026?

Taking part in Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week offers a wonderful opportunity for both your creative practice and professional development. Here is why you might like to join us:

  • Boost your exposure
    Be featured in our printed/digital event guides and year round Artists and Makers Directory. In 2025 there were over 18,000 studio visits countywide, with visitors rating the event 99.9 percent positive, leading to connections that extend well beyond Art Week.
  • Sell directly to the public
    Meet visitors in your own space and present your work on your terms. In 2025, average individual sales exceeded £850 per participant, with many artists also securing future sales and commissions.
  • Develop your practice
    Engage with audiences, gain useful feedback, and use the event as a focus to create new work and build your confidence.
  • Grow your network
    Connect with buyers, enthusiasts and fellow creatives, creating relationships that last beyond the event.
  • Be part of a creative community
    Join a supportive county wide network of artists and makers, with access to our private Facebook group and wider opportunities.
  • Benefit from promotion
    Take advantage of collective marketing, social media campaigns and press coverage that raise your profile as part of a high quality countywide event.
  • HAVE FUN!

FEES:

Annual membership: £35
(Must be renewed each year and is required to take part in the 2026 event.)

Art Week 2026 participation fees (no increase from 2025):

  • Solo participant: £105
  • Group participant: £95 each
    (All artists at any venue must be WOS members and registered for Art Week.)

Examples:

Solo venue: £35 + £105 = £140 total

Shared/group venue: £35 + £95 = £130 each

If you do not wish to take part in Art Week but want to become a member, the fee is £35 per year (or £10 for ages 16–25).


HOW TO JOIN & REGISTER FOR ART WEEK 2026

You must complete BOTH steps below to take part in Art Week 2026. Forms for STEPS 2 & 3 open on 14th February, you can complete STEP 1 now.

STEP 1 — Create Your Free Account

Create a free account on the website and log in.

This allows you to apply for membership and register for Art Week.


STEP 2 — Become a Member (£35 per year)

My Dashboard → Click “Membership Application”

If you were a 2025 member:
Click Renew My Membership to keep your existing profile and listings.

If you are a new member:
Click ‘Membership Application’ and complete the form.

Membership approval usually takes a few hours (Renewing members do not need approval)


STEP 3 — Register for Art Week 2026

Once your membership is approved:

Go to:
My Dashboard → Click ‘Art Week 2026 Entry

If you do not see the button, refresh your browser.


‘Venue Match’ Noticeboard:

We understand that exhibiting alone can sometimes be a barrier to taking part in Art Week. If you are looking for a co-exhibitor, a venue to take part in or can help others by offering a venue then please take a look our ‘Venue Match’ noticeboard.


Key dates for 2026:

15th Dec: ‘Venue Match’ goes live

14th Feb – 25th March: Membership enrolment and Art Week registration period.

29th May 6-8pm / 30th May 10am-4pm: Collection of marketing materials from Bevere Gallery, Worcester

22nd – 31st August 2026: Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week.


If you are not a practising artist but would love to be kept informed about our members and receive updates with Worcestershire Open Studios then please join our general mailing list for which there is no fee.