Open Studio Art Festivals Launch Across England in August and September

From August 22 to 31, Hampshire will host its Open Studios 2026, offering free access to more than 300 venues across Basingstoke, Alton and Petersfield. The ten‑day trail showcases a wide range of media—including painting, ceramics, jewellery, glass and textiles—and features demonstrations by local artists. Creative Director Lesley Self described the event as a chance for visitors to "step behind the scenes, meet artists in the places where they create, hear the stories behind their work and watch demonstrations of different creative techniques."

Starting September 12 through 26, the town of St Ives will open the studios of over 30 artists as part of its September Festival. Visitors can explore historic harbour‑front workshops and private studios, seeing painters, ceramicists, sculptors, printmakers, textile artists and jewellers at work. Festival director Lisa Elliott said the Open Studios programme offers "something genuinely unique" by letting the public meet creators, learn their processes and experience the town’s creative energy.