The West Hove Artist's Open House Trail

The Artist’s Open Houses (AOH), unique to Brighton and Hove, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011. The idea was inspired by Fiveways Artist, Ned Hoskins who first opened his home to the public in 1982. The twice-yearly AOH festival runs during the Brighton Festival in May and in the run-up to Christmas in December.

Sophie Turton spoke to Judy Stevens, the festival director, who said:

“The ethos of the Artists Open Houses Festival is inclusivity, encouraging participation from artists and makers of all ages, at all stages of their careers, and from all parts of the community, including school and college students. To give opportunities to marginalised artists, those facing barriers to the art world for any reason, including economically and geographically as well those with as physical and learning disabilities, is very important to us.”

West Hove, being the furthest along the trail, can sometimes be overlooked during the AOH festival. However, the Best Open House award last year went to ‘Encounter’ at 12 Langdale Road and the 2012-2013 Artist of the Year, Vanessa Conyers had some of her intricate ceramics in an open house on Carlisle Road, which runs between New Church Road and the beach.

Conyer’s ceramics take a giddy trip through Alice’s Wonderland into Louis XVI’s boudoir. Beautiful, lavish with intricate design, they are so perfectly Brighton, despite being made in her studio in rural Dorset. In fact the very essence of the festival speaks to what is important to Brighton and Hove - it encourages inclusivity and celebrates all manner of quirky.

There will be 14 houses in the trail this year covering the area from Sackville Road in the east to Boundary Road in the west and from the seafront up to the railway line. These houses will be supporting a range of artists including painters, bunting makers, print and bag designers, weavers, boxes makers and many more. Since the trail was set up in 2011, the West Hove Open Houses have worked together to ensure that each year is more diverse and exciting than the last.

This is also a great opportunity to support local businesses - many of the artists have studios around the city or are looking for an opportunity to expand to Brighton from their home town. May is set to be a vibrant month for Brighton and Hove, as the city pays homage to its residents who, over the years, have worked together to make Brighton and Hove a city of art, culture and creativity.

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk