Artist-led
farOpen (Forest and Rivers Open Studios)
farOpen annual Art Trail, Exhibitions, Workshops in the Forest of Dean
farOpen - short for Forest and Rivers Open Studios - is a volunteer, artist-led organisation hosting the popular Open Studios Art Trail each July across the region of the Forest of Dean and along the Severn & Wye Rivers.
Since its establishment in 2017, the number of artists it represents has grown phenomenally and with it, farOpen’s approach to supporting artists in the community. In 2023 the organisation represents 155 members with 73 studios welcoming visitors on the Art Trail in July. Additional Group Exhibitions are held in Summer, Spring and Autumn alternating between local venues.
The growth in membership is attributed to farOpen’s holistic approach on building a thriving artist community - increasing year round visibility & awareness of its members’ artwork, events and workshops, culminating in the annual Art Trail. Through its successful marketing campaigns and exhibitions, farOpen’s mission to attract and generate sales have helped this local, creative sector flourish. Members also benefit from an online peer group for artists to support each other with business advice or moral support, complemented by monthly coffee mornings – a super valuable support network for a demographic who can often feel isolated working in solitude across the district.
Since its establishment in 2017, the number of artists it represents has grown phenomenally and with it, farOpen’s approach to supporting artists in the community. In 2023 the organisation represents 155 members with 73 studios welcoming visitors on the Art Trail in July. Additional Group Exhibitions are held in Summer, Spring and Autumn alternating between local venues.
The growth in membership is attributed to farOpen’s holistic approach on building a thriving artist community - increasing year round visibility & awareness of its members’ artwork, events and workshops, culminating in the annual Art Trail. Through its successful marketing campaigns and exhibitions, farOpen’s mission to attract and generate sales have helped this local, creative sector flourish. Members also benefit from an online peer group for artists to support each other with business advice or moral support, complemented by monthly coffee mornings – a super valuable support network for a demographic who can often feel isolated working in solitude across the district.
CREDIT