Release Date: 21/01/2008
Artists and craftspeople across Richmond upon Thames are invited to open their doors to the public this June for ARThouse 2008.
The annual Richmond Council-run festival promotes the wealth of creative talent in the borough by encouraging artists to invite the public into their homes and studios.
Last year 75 artists and 8 schools displayed work across 52 venues. Almost 5,000 people attended and over 2,000 works of art were bought.
ARThouse 2008 will take place over two weekends on the 21-22 June and 28-29 June, and the Council is looking for artists and craftspeople who live or work in the borough to take part. It also provides visitors with a unique opportunity to see artists’ work in the very space it was created.
Cllr John Coombs, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure on Richmond Council, said:
“The Council is committed to increasing cultural opportunities for both the public and the artists themselves.
“This exciting festival gives artists, schools and community groups a superb opportunity to exhibit their work while offering the visitor a unique viewing experience.
“It is one of the highlights of the borough’s arts calendar and I urge any artist, craftsperson, group or school to sign up and make this year’s festival the biggest yet.”
Hampton printmaker and card maker Nicky Browne, who has taken part in ARThouse for several years, added:
“It’s a wonderful experience having people come into your home to talk about your work and I thoroughly recommend it to any artist in the borough.
“It generates lots of interest and I also make a number of sales during the festival.”
The application deadline is Friday, 15 February.
For more information on taking part in ARThouse 2008, please call arts co-ordinator Saara Wacklin on 020 8831 6000 or email saara.wacklin@richmond.gov.uk for further details.