Year out for artistic showcase
Festival’s‘pause’to reflect
Almost 200 artists took part in a region-wide showcase of creativity across more than 145 venues last year at a time still dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
And members of the team behind Perthshire Open Studios (POS) have said they are confident the event will return in 2023.
However, this year’s edition of the usually annual September festival is not being held as organisers “pause for thought” to consider how to deliver it successfully in the future, with participating artists urged to share their views.
“Rumours of the death of Perthshire Open Studios have been greatly exaggerated – we are not dead, but we are taking time to listen to what artists want going forward, to fundraise and address our structure,” stressed Heather Budge-Reid, the new POS chair.
She continued: “Over the last 20 years, the world has changed dramatically for artists and visitors alike.
“From technology improvements and Covid-19 to the emergence of other artistfocused events and organisations – and, of course, environmental and financial concerns.
“We are pausing for thought because it is hard for people to think, consult and act for the future of POS when caught in the demanding cycle of events.
“We need to hear what it is that the artists of Perthshire want POS to be in 2023.
“It could stay the same but with increased resources, or there are different forms of Open Studio events across Scotland – for example, Orkney’s Artist’s Trail or the famous Spring Fling.
“The POS Pause Team believes that, with a new structure and funding to match, it might be possible to support more events, with greater frequency and with wider collaborations – so get in contact with your ideas.”
Last year, there were 198 artists and 14 groups of artists involved in POS – which is a Community Interest Company described as aiming to “support Perthshire artists by increasing visitor contact.”
A spokesperson said that 70 per cent of last year’s visitors lived in Perthshire, with the remainder visiting from across Scotland, England and Wales.
Organisers have said that would- be participating artists can contact the ‘POS Pause Team’ by emailing their thoughts on the future to info@perthshireopenstudios.