Creative skills

It might have been because they saw the big orange ‘O’ calling out to them from posters, booklets or gallery windows, or perhaps because they had heard tell of a remote studio usually hidden from view.

Whatever the reason, the sixth Open Studios Cornwall once again attracted visitors from near and far to venture into artists’ spaces across the county for a week at the beginning of June. Around 150 artists and craftspeople welcomed the public into their studios and homes to view an amazing range of work and the Creative Skills questionnaire captured a snapshot of this year’s event. The results reveal that equal numbers of visitors had been to Open Studios before as had not, suggesting the event continues to attract new interest while keeping previous visitors engaged. Two thirds of the visitors surveyed bought something from the artists they visited.

Responses show that a large proportion of visitors were local to the studios they went to see. 84% of visitors live in Cornwall, with 56% travelling less than ten miles to the studios. 9% had travelled fifty miles or more. Just over half of the visitors, 58%, were aged 55 to 64 years old, with 22% between 45 and 54, 12% were 25 to 44 and 8% were aged over 65. Respondents to the questionnaire were asked why they had decided to visit Open Studios (they were invited to tick all options that applied) and results show that the main reason, 60%, was that they’d seen a catalogue or poster. 40% visited because of the artist’s reputation, 23% because of Open Studios Cornwall’s reputation and 18% as a result of a recommendation.

Pictures sent in by participants of Open Studios 2010

Visitors’ general art buying habits were also surveyed, revealing that 91% visitors to Open Studios had bought artwork before. Asked to give reasons why they purchased art, 72% said it was to decorate their home, 35% bought art as a gift, 16% bought art as an investment and 81% simply because they love it. Responses show that the main way people found out about Open Studios Cornwall was from the catalogue, 68%. Around a quarter of visitors saw posters (21%), read about it in the press (25%) or heard about it through word of mouth (26%). 19% saw artists’ own literature and 2% discovered the event via the Internet.

To round off the survey, visitors were asked to indicate whether or not they agreed with five statements about Open Studios Cornwall, the results show the aspects visitors were happy with and those that have room for improvement. 39% thought that the maps were useful, 74% thought the venue was easy to find, 79% agreed that the catalogue was a good guide, 86% thought the trip to the studio had been worthwhile and 90% said they would recommend Open Studios to others. In the comments section of the questionnaire various visitors suggested that the catalogue map could have artists’ numbers on it so that particular participants in each area were easier to look up. There were also suggestions that the artist’s number could be printed inside the large orange ‘O’ on posters, enabling easier cross reference between the locations and the artists’ listings in the catalogue. We’ll be taking all these comments into consideration when planning for next year’s Open Studios event.

We’re also currently compiling feedback from participating artists and craftspeople and will be sending all exhibitors an overall report later in the summer once we’ve received all the responses. In the meantime, here’s a selection of comments from visitors and participating artists to give you a further glimpse into this year’s Open Studios Cornwall.

“Artists were very welcoming and informative. Some even provided free refreshments! Excellent!”

Barbara Lewis, Visitor from Penzance

"We really enjoyed the diversity of work on show and being able to meet the artists to find out more about their work.”

Julian Dodd, Visitor from Hayle

“I really enjoyed the whole experience. I visited studios over 3 days and didn’t feel under pressure at all, the artists were all lovely and kind and chatty.”

K.E. Finch, Visitor from Penzance

“This has been well worth the visit. I wish I had known about it before. I will definitely visit other venues and on other years too.”

Rachel Keast, Visitor from Perranporth

“I found it all a very enjoyable experience… A good bit of PR and a break from the usual solitary working day.”

Caroline Binch, painting/illustration, Pendeen

“We had a very successful week and will definitely take part next year. We are going to do our own open studio for a few days at October half term for people to buy Christmas presents, I have heard that some other people are planning to do this too.”

Chloe Williams, jewellery, jmg ceramics, Canonstown, Nr Hayle

“Thank you for a fantastic Open Studios. It went really well for me and I am thrilled by the response and sales I got.”

Rose Cecil, jewellery/sculpture, Mousehole

“Many thanks for your efforts and this opportunity. We enjoyed it, made a little money and it gave us ideas for a permanent gallery at our home.”

Maureen Wilkinson, painting/mixed media, Mullion

“A visitor had bought a textile hanging of mine at Trelowarren over 25 years ago which still hangs in her house. She read about the Open Studios in the Cornishman, noticed my name, visited and commissioned a new piece. I have been told on marketing courses that the best customers in the future will be previous customers and this was certainly borne out by my experience.”

Amanda Richardson, painting/textiles, St Levan

“The two artists who took part at Trewarveneth Studios Newlyn did very well indeed, one has sold 5 paintings and received a commission and the other sold 1 painting which will pay the studio rent for the next year. I visited several artists/ceramicists in this area and all were very pleased with the number of visitors and sales.”

Jane Val Baker, Vice Chair, Borlase Smart John Wells Trust

Registrations for Open Studios next year will be open from September 2010 with a deadline of November 30th 2010. To make sure you don’t miss out sign up now to receive a reminder when the 2011 application packs are ready.

Article by Jo Thomas