The Arts Connect Inc run Open Studios (OS) program has had a very successful history thanks to the hard work of previous committees, connecting our artists with local art lovers and the many visitors to the region. The Sunshine Coast region is brimming with talented artists, and many work in studios that they are happy to open to the general public, gaining their work exposure, feedback, and sales. If you do not have a studio that meets the criteria, shared spaces are allowed.

Utilising our resources we will provide the framework and support for artists wishing to be part of Open Studios Sunshine Coast 2020, focusing on a larger scale marketing campaign bringing many more art lovers to the region over two weekends. By signing up for the program to be held on the weekends of the 20-12 March & 27-28 March 2021, artists will be committing to what we hope will become the largest art event on the Sunshine Coast. Your participation and support are vital to the success of this new iteration of OS.

The event Open Studios Sunshine Coast features artists opening their studios to the public with the option of a workshop component. The first weekend, the 20th and 21st March will see the Hinterland open its artist’s studio doors, with the coastal areas the following weekend. This is bridged by 5 days of artist’s workshops available to the public, as well as artists of all levels. We hope this event will bring many visitors to the region as well as generate income and exposure for artists. We have received grants from the Sunshine Coast Council and Regional Arts Development Fund, without whose support this event could not proceed.

This year we are inviting galleries to join Open Studios, with an intention to bring the Arts Community on the Sunshine Coast closer together, and to work together to make our region THE go to region for the Arts. To ensure transparency and fairness, we will be ensuring all participating artists have the necessary arrangements in place if they are represented by a gallery, and we will be working with each gallery to ensure no sales are lost, but increased through Open Studios. The more you get involved, the better job we will do to ensure this happens.