Cowal Open Studios (COS) will take place over the weekend of 26th–29th September 2008 at venues throughout Cowal, Argyll. Building on the huge success of other open studio events across the country, COS will offer free access to a wide variety of artists’ studios of all types and sizes in inspiring locations. Visitors will be able to see a wide range of traditional and contemporary artworks in a rich diversity of materials and techniques – such as drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, environmental art, textiles, ceramics, glasswork, and silversmithing. They will also have the opportunity to take part in free workshops and demonstrations, and be able to purchase original pieces of art directly from the artists.

The aim of the event is twofold: 

 

• to offer residents and visitors to the Cowal unique access to a diverse range of working artists’ studios, with the opportunity to talk to artists about their ideas, inspiration and working processes, as well as the opportunity to buy original artworks and get a better appreciation of the artistic process. 
• it will enhance and promote the social and economic life of the area by generating positive publicity and business opportunities for all participants and promoting the work of artists within the Cowal economy. Additionally, it will offer the public greater participation in the arts within their locality.
  

To help achieve these aims, COS will be widely publicised with specially designed promotional material, including an Artists’ Directory that will display the locations and details of all participants. This publication will be launched for the event but will also be available throughout the year and updated on a regular basis.

The event has great potential for local artists, galleries, hospitality providers and other businesses to build mutually supportive relationships and networks, providing future business opportunities. If you are an artist based in Cowal, a hospitality provider or have a complementary business and would like to receive more details on how to take part in this exciting event, please contact Sarah Sumsion – (see details below).

Contact:
Sarah Sumsion
Cowal Open Studios Committee
tel: 07884 408155
email: infocos2008@yahoo.co.uk

Uniquely, Cowal Open Studios is being organised by a self-funded, professional artist committee. COS has appointed an accountant and opened a bank account. The aim of COS is to be as inclusive as possible and, since June 2007, has met regularly, hosted several open meetings for artists, and already has a large number of artists committed to taking part. The long term aim of COS is to build a strong and vibrant group that promotes the interests of Cowal Artists, run the annual event, and produce a comprehensive and regularly updated Artists Directory that will benefit and market all the participants and the wider community.