What is Cambridge Open Studios?
Cambridge Open Studio (COS) membership consists of over 500 amateur and professional painters, jewellers, ceramicists, woodworkers, sculptors, textile artists, photographers, and much more, who promote the making of original works of art and craft through supporting networking, connections, and friendships amongst each other.
From textiles to digital art, printmaking to photography, watercolour to sculpture, COS artists represent a full spectrum artistic practice. COS promotes the making of original art and craft through networking, connections and friendships.
Throughout the year members hold social events and COS facilitates a variety of art-related events and workshops. Our artists regularly exhibit in Cambridgeshire and beyond. Our main annual event is the July Open Studio Art Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, and any COS member can take part in. Find out more below.
Thinking of joining COS? Read the FAQs to find out more
July Open Studios
The July Open Studio Art Festival runs the first four weekends of July and provides the opportunity to browse and buy direct from our artists. Expect to see working studios, demonstrations and exhibitions. Use the Directory page to learn more about our artists.
Are you an artist or maker thinking of taking part in Open Studios? Read the FAQs to find out more.
History of COS
Cambridge Open Studios (COS) is one of the oldest artist-run open studio initiatives in the country. In the early 1970s, a small group of artists invited the public to visit their studios and see how their art was made. This formed part of our still-ongoing mission to make the arts accessible to all.
Over the last 50 years, COS has welcomed more than 1800 artist members. Today, the COS community includes over 500 individuals, with approximately two-thirds choosing to open their studio to the public each July.
COS is always searching for ways to better support our artist members. Possible future activities include: increased educational programme, social gatherings, organised artist studio visits, and Winter Open Studios, to name a few!
Meet the Volunteers
Our volunteer team is composed of a vibrant group of individuals. We are always looking for new members. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in helping shape the future of Cambridge Open Studios!
