Cambridge Open Studios 2011 Visitor Guide - Fine Art Escape

Cambridge Open Studios 2011
In the 1960s, artists in Cambridge were among
the first in the country to throw open their studio
doors and invite local people in to discover how
original works of art and crafts are made. This was
part of a movement to demystify the arts, take them
off their elite pedestals, reinvigorate and democratise
them and make them available to all. Now, open
studio events take place all over the UK and in many
other countries. Anthony Day, whose welcome to our
Open Studios 2011 is on the front cover flap of this
guide, was one of that original group and still opens
his studio to the public every July.
Back then, Tony lived in Cambridge; now he lives
in Wicken, and Cambridge Open Studios has spread
out in a similar way, to encompass an area stretching
from Ely, Littleport and Prickwillow in the North
to Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow in the South,
from Over and Huntingdon in the West, to Soham
and Fordham in the East.
The yellow flags flying outside each venue have
become a fixture in the cultural landscape, and this
year 240 artists are taking part in over 200 locations,
with a good half of those sites being ‘out of town’.
Moreover, in an era of cuts and belt-tightening,
Cambridge Open Studios is completely free.
Visiting our studios will not cost you a penny
in Council or Income Tax as we receive no grants,
no hand-outs and no subsidies.
What links all those studios and workshops,
and the people who work in them, is the idea that
art, craft and creativity should be very much part
of everyday life and of local communities. Open
Studios is about forging a lasting relationship
between local people and local makers, and about
making art affordable and open to all. It is our
opportunity to welcome you into our studios
and your opportunity to purchase or commission
a piece of work direct from its creator. That way
you can help us survive and thrive as an essential
and integral creative force in Cambridgeshire life.
So enjoy exploring our studios and take something
home to mark the occasion!
Roger Coleman
Chairman, Cambridge Open Studios
© Ivan Coleman
Cambridge Open Studios
exists for the purposes
of promoting the making
of original works of art
and craft, and to provide
an opportunity for the
public to become involved
in the arts by meeting
artists in their studios,
seeing their work and
how it is produced.
You can see the work of
our artists and plan your
visit on our website.
FREE
www.camopenstudios.co.uk