7 top tips for visiting Brighton’s Artists Open Houses

May is here which here in Brighton can only mean one thing - artists around the city are busy preparing their homes and studios for one of the city’s biggest art events: Artists Open Houses. This annual celebration of creativity is my favourite thing about Brighton. Artists fling open their doors to the public for the month and share their art, passion, homes (and often cake!) 

This year is an exciting one for me as it’s the first time I’ve taken part - I’m opening my own home and studio, plus my garden. I’m equal parts excited and terrified at the prospect! I’ve teamed up with other creatives Ailsa McWhinnie (photography), Julian Stevens (abstract art) and Vanessa Brook (ceramics) to create a vibrant selection of artwork.

I’ve been visiting Artists Open Houses in Brighton for over twenty years, and in that time I’ve figured I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make it a joy-filled day out. Read on!

1. Find a brochure

First things first: find a trail guide. You can easily find the listings online, but I find the paper copy so much easier to navigate. The guides are distributed all around Brighton and beyond and are free. If you haven’t been able to get your hands on one, fear not: every open house will have copies to give away. Plus some neighbourhoods, like Fiveways, have their own guides which usually share much more information about each venue and their artists. If you need to, use the online listings to make a start, choose your first house and away you go! 

2. Pick a neighbourhood trail (or two!)

Once you’ve got your hands on a physical or online copy of the listings, take a look at the map. Where would you like to explore? My top tip is to choose somewhere that you don’t often visit. Maybe there’s a neighbourhood you’ve always wanted to go to, or a place that’s a bit out of the way. Visiting artists open houses is a great way to discover hidden parts of the city you’re yet to discover. Once you’ve chosen an area you’ll find that houses are usually just a short walking distance from each other, meaning you can easily visit many venues in one day.

3. Plan your travel

How will you get to your chosen neighbourhood? If you’re on public transport, the Brighton and Hove city bus app has a great journey planning tool. And don’t forget about the city's smaller neighbourhood train stations - stops like London Road, Preston Park and Aldrington will all help you get around easily. Brighton is notoriously ‘challenging’ to park in, but you’re not without options. Many houses will have on-street pay-by-phone parking available. 

4. Go hungry

If I’ve learned anything about Artists Open Houses during my time stomping the trails, it’s that they do cake well. My advice? Skip lunch and eat all the cake. Some houses open their gardens too, so enjoy a relaxing pit stop when you can.

5. Chat!

As a newcomer to the event, I’m looking forward to being able to show my paintings in a way I never have before and to connect with people who love art. But I know from experience that as a visitor it can be daunting stepping into someone’s home! My hope is that visitors want to chat - be that to ask about my work, what’s behind the paintings, or what I’m growing in my garden. 

6. Pace yourself

There are nearly 200 Open Houses open in May so once you’ve decided on which neighbourhood(s) you’ll visit, pace yourself. Many Open Houses also open their gardens so stop for a rest and refreshments, or come back on another weekend. One of the best things about the event is that it’s on over four weekends - plenty of time for multiple or repeat visits!

7. Share what you love

Many artists rely on word of mouth to encourage visitors to their venue. Let your friends know, ask for an artist's social media and tag them in any posts. Most artists will be happy for you to take photos of their work and share the love!

I hope you find some beautiful art and even something you want for your own home at this May’s event. Good luck on the trails - let me know how you get on! Find me on Instagram, where I’ll be sharing updates from my own Open House, Art at No. 70. Find us on the Fiveways trail - venue number 14.