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Open Studios 2024

Open Studios trailer (Video by Ronnie Danaher)

WHAT

Join us for our annual Open Studios weekend at Yorkshire Artspace, when over 100 artists and makers open their doors. This is your chance to get a glimpse behind the scenes at our two city-centre buildings and see where the magic happens!

WHEN

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 November 2024
11am - 5pm, free entry
Everyone welcome, no need to book

WHERE

Persistence Works: 21 Brown Street, Sheffield S1 2BS
(Near Site Gallery, Showroom Cinema, Rutland Arms)
Find on Google Maps
Find parking


Exchange Place: Exchange Street, Sheffield S2 5TR
(Near Victoria Quays, Castlegate)
Find on Google Maps
Find parking

Both our buildings are located within convenient distance of Sheffield Railway Station, just a 5-10 minute walk.

We recommend arriving early to give yourself time to explore both our amazing buildings, where you can:

  • Meet some of the most talented artists in the region
  • See creative workspaces and watch artists at work
  • Support local artists by buying their work direct from the source
  • Explore free art exhibitions in our public galleries
  • Bring out your inner artist in free family-friendly workshops
  • Enjoy tea, coffee and pastries from our pop-up cafés

There's a lot to see and do! Explore at your own pace or browse our guide below to plan your visit.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Every year, over 100 artists and makers open their doors. Check back in November for a list of participating artists at both buildings.

EXHIBITIONS

Persistence Works Gallery: Autumn Almanac IV, our annual members exhibition curated by Sean Williams.

Persistence Works Foyer: pop-up showcase of craft made by Yorkshire Artspace members and furniture by PR Home.

Exchange Place Gallery: showcase of work presented at our monthly crit group.

More information to follow.

WORKSHOPS & DEMOS

TBC

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

"Do I need a ticket this year?"

No, we aren't operating a ticketing system this year - please turn up and bring your friends! You are welcome to RSVP via Facebook.

"Can I visit both buildings?"

Yes, we encourage visiting both buildings as they are very different - visiting just one only gives half the story! Both buildings are in Sheffield City Centre and are just a 10-15minute walk apart. We recommend arriving early if you plan to visit both buildings (or coming for both days) as there's lots to see and it's easy to run out of time.

"How much does it cost?"

Open Studios is a completely free event, supported by Arts Council England. You can visit the studios, browse exhibitions and take part in workshops for free.

"I don't want to buy anything - can I still come?"

Yes! Open Studios is a chance to see inside our studios, which are closed to the public for the rest of the year, and meet the artists who work here. Everyone is welcome. Many of our artists and makers have amazing work for sale, and it can be a great place to buy special, locally-made Christmas presents.

"Will there be refreshments?"

Yes, both buildings will have on-site pop up cafés run by local businesses selling tea, coffee and baked goods. Most items are typically priced around £3, and we have seating areas for you to take a break and fuel up. If you'd like to go for lunch, our favourite local options are Kollective Kitchen (at Site Gallery) and Kommune food hall (near Exchange Place).

"Are the buildings accessible to people with wheelchairs or prams?"

Yes, both buildings have level access from the street during open hours. Both buildings have elevator to all levels as well as accessible toilets. You may find the upper corridors difficult to navigate during busy periods - but prams can be left downstairs at your discretion. Please note we do not currently have baby changing facilities.

"Are dogs welcome?"

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Open Studios, please keep them on a lead for the duration of your visit. Some artists may not want dogs inside their studios, please respect their wishes if they indicate this.

Is there an on-site carpark?

No, we don't have an on-site carpark for visitors, so you will need to find nearby parking (see links above) or come on public transport. There is on-street disabled parking at Exchange Place and we can offer a limited number of parking spots for disabled visitors at Persistence Works, but these need to be requested in advance - please call 0114 276 1769 to arrange.