Do you have a venue that can host artists?

Being a venue on the Birmingham Open Studios trail allows you to receive new visitors and publicity. Whether you are are gallery, a cafe, a church, or any other community centre, please see what being a venue means during BOS.

Each year we get many enquiries from artists/crafters who wish to exhibit on the Birmingham Open Studios trail, but have nowhere to exhibit from. Sometimes they buddy-up with their friends, but in many cases this isn’t an option.

Dozens of artists need a space to exhibit from each year, and by allowing them to use your space, you can benefit at the same time.

If you are a gallery/shop/cafe business, it allows you to sell your art/produce/food to the Open Studios visitors.
If you are a charity or community centre, this is an opportunity to showcase your cause, and a potential to receive donations or support.

It costs nothing to be a venue, as long as you can host artists that will pay Birmingham Open Studios directly for their membership.

How is my venue’s name displayed?

Each artist has a listing on our website and in thousands of guidebooks. Both the website and guidebooks will show their venue’s name and address. The more artists you host, the more times your name will appear.

Can my venue have a full listing, like an artist does?

You can, but for a fee.

Perhaps you are a gallery that already has an exhibition you’d like to promote through Open Studios, as it is running at the same time.
Or maybe you just want to run an advert about your business instead (contact us for advert fees).
You can either allow other artists to use the venue during the event (perfect for cafes/community centres). Or you can simply be part of the trail by buying membership and be included on the map as an exhibitor yourself (perfect for galleries).

Can I charge for the use of my space?

The short answer is yes. Some venues charge a small fee per-artist per-day to use their facilities. Other venues (usually shops) may charge a rate of commission on sales instead.
Please bear in mind that not all venues do charge, as they simply wish for more footfall. So if you charge considerably more than anyone else, you are unlikely to be an artist’s top choice.

To become at host you must be located in the catchment area (below), and open 11am – 5pm at least one of the following dates (ideally as many dates as possible): Sat 28th Sept, Sun 29th Sept, Sat 5th Oct, Sun 6th Oct

The catchment area for 2024 is: City Centre, Handsworth, Erdington, Nechells, Aston, Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth, Moseley, Kings Heath, Balsall Heath, Hall Green, Shirley, Selly Oak, Selly Park, Bournville, Highgate, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Kings Norton, Northfield, Harborne, Edgbaston, Quinton, Bearwood, 

So, how do I join?

Fill in the form with all the details about your venue, what dates you can allow artists to use your space, your facilities etc. Then as artists enquire for spaces, we will forward on your venue as a potential space for them.

You don’t have to accept the artists that approach you. If you feel they aren’t a good fit for whatever reason, there is no obligation to host them.

There is no guarantee you will have lots of interest. This depends on your location, facilities, the dates you can offer the artists and if you charge a fee

Wish to proceed? Please fill in the form below