Art / jamaica street studios
Jamaica Street Open Studios 2023 to coincide with launch of new space
Funded entirely by rent from individual artists, Jamaica Street Studios is a thriving home to 35 practitioners specialising in an eclectic mix of mediums, from painting to film, photography, illustration and sculpture.
Their annual and ever-popular Open Studios weekend is returning on September 22-24, with 35 studio holders displaying and discussing their work and their practice with visitors.
Many of the artists have won national and international accolades and residencies, as well as showing work in prestigious collections.
is needed now More than ever
Artist Serena Curmi in her studio at Jamaica Street Studios
They include Annie Clay, whose paintings can be seen displayed on billboards around Bristol this summer as part of an RWA commission curated by Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid; award-winning visual artist Jessa Fairbrother; renowned landscape painters Andrew Hood, Dan Ablitt and Elaine Jones; and sculptor Dorcas Casey, whose work can be seen around Glastonbury Festival’s Park area, as well as in its annual peace processions.
The community fostered by this group of artists sharing the same space has been key to its survival, not least in the face of so much urban development in the local area, and to coincide with Open Studios, an additional space underneath the building will be officially opened to visitors.
Accessible from the street, the new floor will be able to host events, exhibitions and artist groups.
Artist Clemency Calkin, another resident artist at Jamaica Street Studios
Making a welcome return to Open Studios weekend, the popular ‘Small-Works Auction’ will feature work from resident artists, and raise funds directly for Jamaica Street Studios. Taking place in person on the Sunday afternoon, it will also be available to look at online in the run-up, allowing art enthusiasts to view pieces and get their bids in early.
“This is a brilliant way to meet all our artists and learn more about their practices,” says studio manager Rosie Bowery.
“We have an amazing opportunity to invite our audience for a behind-the-scenes look at this incredible community. We are so excited to have this extra floor too – which opens up a new chapter for us as an organisation.”
Visitors to Jamaica Street Open Studios 2022
Jamaica Street Open Studios 2023 starts on September 22 with a launch night from 6pm-late. The studios are then open from 11am-5pm on Saturday 23 and 11am-4pm on Sunday 24, with the in-person art auction taking place on Sunday at 4pm. For more information, visit www.jamaicastreetstudios.co.uk or follow @jamaicastreetstudios on Insta.
All photos: Alice Hendy
Read more: Jamaica Street Open Studios returns
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