Fri, 16 Oct 2009
Whats new for 09?

What's on?

This year we welcome a new addition to the weekend; the recently established Biscuit Tin Studios will join The Biscuit Factory Studios, Cobalt, Foundry Lane Studios, 36 Lime Street, Mushroom Works, Northern Print and RASKL, meaning that over 200 artists from the Ouseburn Valley will open their studio doors to welcome the public into their working environment.

Many of the studios taking part are hosting workshops, demonstrations, family activities and other events. Check out each venues page to help you decide where to start!

Getting around

In the lead up to this year’s weekend visitors will be able to follow goings-on across the Valley via twitter and facebook and for those who like to know exactly where they’re going we have set up a google My Maps page to help plan out routes ahead.

For those who prefer to take it a little easier, there’s a free ‘hop-on, hop-off’ bus service to get to and from each of the venues (look for the bus stops or ask inside the venues; buses will be running throughout the open-weekend).

What do you think?

This year we want to know what you like best about Ouseburn Open Studios so as to help us improve the event, year on year. Please help us by completing and returning our visitor evaluation cards which can be found at all studios and on the website. To help you help us, all competed forms will be entered into a prize draw where the winner will receive dinner, overnight stay and breakfast for two at Hotel Du Vin.

Thank you

Special thanks to Arts Council England, North East and Newcastle City Council for their support and enthusiasm in helping to make Ouseburn Open Studios possible each year. Thanks also to Hotel Du Vi

Fri, 16 Oct 2009
Buying Art

“...Newcastle is not a large city, but it is a surprisingly creative city and Ouseburn is Newcastle’s creative heart. Ouseburn is not about the exclusive, hyper inflated art world of Damien Hirst’s diamond skulls, it’s where you can find a real mix of work from local and new talent at a range of prices to tempt all buyers.

In a world dominated by the mass produced, it’s nice to find things that are unique, different and have a story behind them. Be it something for your house or a gift for Christmas, if you know how it was made and have often met and talked to the person that created it, it makes that item so much more special...”

Phil Coverdale,
Managing Director of Cravens and regular visitor to Ouseburn Open Studios.

How to Buy Art

There are several ways in which you can buy art during the weekend.

Direct from the artist’s studio
This is the most popular way to buy work during the weekend.*

Commission a new work
If you like an artist’s work but not any particular example that’s available during the weekend, you can speak to the artist and commission a new piece bespoke to your requirements.

Buy from the gallery
Several of the studios in the Ouseburn Valley also have a gallery open to the public with works for sale.

Own Art
This is an interest free loan scheme. Several of the studios taking part in the weekend offer the Own Art Scheme as a method of payment. Own Art is
designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to own high quality
contemporary works of art and craft. Ask at one of the venues for an Own Art leaflet.

*Ideally bring cash or cheques, as most artists don’t have access to card facilities.

Click here to download Arts Council's How To Buy Art guide as a PDF (276kb).