As Swindon Open Studios celebrates its 20th anniversary, this weekend marks your final chance to catch a glimpse of the incredible talent on display.
Over the course of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September, more than 130 artists and artisans across 56 locations in Swindon will be showcasing their work, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see and engage with an eclectic mix of creative pieces.
Last weekend’s event saw a visit from the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Imtiyaz Shaikh, who spent two hours visiting 20 exhibitors and engaging with their creative journeys. The Mayor praised the event for its inclusivity, noting the wide range of work on display, from vibrant modern paintings to thought-provoking installations. He remarked: “What a fantastic exhibition which offered a truly eclectic mix of art, from the vibrant works of young artists to timeless masterpieces. I’m thrilled to see Swindon Open Studios because it’s such a unique and exciting event in Swindon’s cultural landscape.”
With a total of 56 locations participating in this free event, visitors have a wide range of creative works to explore. Art enthusiasts, such as Jeremy Holt, have found the experience enlightening. Holt, a keen art collector, is on a mission to visit as many studios as possible over both weekends. He shared, “It was wonderful to speak to individual exhibitors who explained why they had created something and what the problems were. You’re not just looking but seeing it in context and this is really interesting and insightful.”
First-time SOS exhibitor Rhona Jack spoke of the importance of visitor feedback. “Feedback from visitors is vital so we know we’re on the right track. The Mayor kindly wrote in my Visitor’s book which is so encouraging on a day when everything’s going wrong with a painting!”
As Swindon Open Studios draws to a close, the Mayor summed up the event with a positive message: “Swindon is home to a wealth of creative talent, and the incredible diversity of arts and crafts on display here is truly inspiring. I have no doubt that this vibrant cultural scene will play a significant role in our town’s continued growth and success.”
If you haven’t yet visited, be sure to take advantage of this final opportunity to explore Swindon’s creative talent. For more information and to plan your visits, head to Swindon Open Studios.
