Highlands Open Studios is 5 this year! From an early idea to encourage the public to see artists at work in their own studios, it has blossomed into a highly successful Highland wide group.

Highlands Open Studios is a self funding body which has been set up by artists for artists living and working in the Highlands of Scotland, this venture has been supported by HI-Arts.

The primary objectives of HOS are to promote the diversity of the arts in the Highlands, giving artists living and working there a collective voice, as well as an opportunity to show and promote their work to the wider public.

Open Studio week exhibitions have been held in an exciting and diverse range of venues, from barns to boat-sheds, from fire stations to homes. It has provided a wonderful chance for people to see the wealth of talent in their own communities and Highland wide.

The Highlands, with its stunning scenery, have been attracting and inspiring artists for centuries. However its remoteness can make things difficult for artists isolated from each other and their audience. Highland Open Studios has proved to be a great way to combat this, giving artists a welcome chance to interact with each other and the public.

Ruth Black The HOS chair said, “It’s about enabling the public to engage with artists rather than just seeing the final work. The process of opening one's studio lets the public see just what is involved in creating a work of art.”

HOS has had a major shake up this year. After extensive consultation with members, it was felt that the Directory of Artists will be produced bi-annually. This quality publication, which has become a definitive guide to artists, will this year have a 30,000 print run and be distributed across the Highlands and beyond. The other big change is that instead of a Highland wide Open Studios week, each area will host its own separate open event or artists trail at a time of their choosing, creating year around interest, activities, art fairs, and exhibitions.

Artists wishing to be in the Directory 2010- 2011 will need to sign up by 31st January , so that it can be distributed by Easter.  To find out more or join and celebrate our 5th year go to : www.highlandsopenstudios.co.uk