Swindon’s annual celebration of local creativity is almost here – and this year it’s bigger than ever. Swindon Open Studios 2025 will mark its 21st year with dozens of artists opening their doors to the public across the last two weekends of September.
For many visitors, Open Studios is a rare chance to peek behind the curtain – into homes, workshops and studios – to see not only finished pieces but the creative chaos and processes behind them. Around 40% of exhibitors this year are first-timers, showing just how vibrant and ever-changing Swindon’s art scene continues to be.
Three new venues have been added to the line-up, offering space to those who don’t have dedicated studios. The Wyvern Theatre will open its doors on both Saturdays (20 and 27 September), while STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway and Great Moorleaze Farm near Wanborough will be open on the first weekend only (20 and 21 September).
Railway enthusiasts will be pleased to see paintings by the late John Webb, who spent his career at Great Western Railways, displayed at STEAM alongside work by Alex Crump. Alex is an illustrator of 54 books, including the well-loved Dragon Air and last year’s bestseller Niky Naky Noo. Though his own loft studio is off-limits due to a “rickety old ladder,” Alex says he is “hugely grateful” to the venues offering exhibition space.
Beyond books, Alex’s work has reached surprising places: from merchandise for the Great Bustard Group (with King Charles III as patron), to the label of Downton Distillery’s Great Bustard gin, a spirit that has scooped awards worldwide.
Visitors to Open Studios can expect paintings, illustrations, textiles, ceramics, photography, sculpture and more. Free demonstrations and taster sessions will run throughout, with some bookable workshops also available. Bus routes and maps are included in the event brochure and online map, making it easy to plan a creative trail around town.
As organisers put it, the joy of Open Studios lies not just in the art itself, but in the stories, conversations and sparks of inspiration it creates. And who knows – you might even leave with the urge to pick up a paintbrush yourself.
