York Open Studios to return in 2025 for its 24th year

Artists in York are preparing to open their doors to the public as one of the main events in the city’s “cultural calendar” returns.

York Open Studios will take place in April for its 24th year.

It will see artists who live or work within a 10-mile radius of York welcome visitors to their studios on the weekends of April 5 to 6 and April 12 to 13 from 10am to 5pm.

The not-for-profit event effectively transforms York into an art gallery for the two weekends.

This year, more than 160 talented makers will show and sell their work, while offering a rare behind the scenes look at their processes.

Printmaker Nic Fife who is taking part in York Open Studios (Image: Supplied) Organisers say there will be “something for everyone and every budget”, with a range of work on display.

These include traditional and contemporary paintings, prints, illustrations and drawings, as well as ceramics, glass and sculptures.

There will also be jewellery, textiles, mixed media art and photography on show.

A painting by Marcus Callum who will be taking part in York Open Studios (Image: Supplied) Three independent judges, each working in different artistic fields and from outside of York, reviewed applications and chose participants.

As a result, both longstanding York residents and new artists make up this year’s cohort.

Fan favourites such as wood carver Dave Atkin, painter Kerry Moffatt and jewellery designer Emma Welsh are returning.

Alasdair McIntosh who is taking part in York Open Studios (Image: Supplied) Meanwhile, artists such as painter Marcus Callum, photographer Alasdair McIntosh and printmaker Nic Fife will be welcomed for the first time.  

A York Open Studios spokesperson said regular artists “help you build your collection”, while those taking part for the first time allow visitors “to seek out something entirely new”.

Event is a ‘highlight’ in York’s ‘cultural calendar’

Charmian Ottaway, York Open Studios committee member and contemporary designer jeweller, hopes people who attend the event will leave inspired.

“These weekends are a highlight in the cultural calendar and this year 2025 is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ethos behind York Open Studios: welcoming visitors to our art spaces and showing them talent in action,” she said.

Jewellery by Emma Welsh who is taking part in York Open Studios (Image: Supplied) Charmian added that maps are available online from the York Open Studio’s website or in print from tourist hubs and artist locations throughout York.

“The maps on our website or in the printed directory help you plan your day, whether that’s to find the type of work and medium that appeals to you, find an artist with whom you already have an interest or check out new artists and their work to inspire you,” she said.

The York Open Studios spokesperson said the event is “perfect” for residents or the “drop in visitor on a day out in York”.

“Plan your route to maximise the range of artists or organise your day interspersed with something entirely different!” they said.

“Whatever your style, it’s time to put the dates in the diary.”

Visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk for more information about the event.