The Portsmouth Open Studios Event (POSE) is happening this weekend the 25th/26th/27th of October and honestly, it is a chance to explore some of your favourite artists in the city.
Opening up their homes, artists are eager to share their talent with the community. Some galleries didn’t exist the last time an open art studio event took place in 2019, so there is a chance to explore more and further afield.
Organised by City Arts Portsmouth CIC and supported by Portsmouth City Council, the event is an exciting initiative that highlights the diverse creative talent within Portsmouth and its surrounding areas.
Last counting there are….
152 Artists
34 Locations
29 Postcodes
9 Businesses
20 Home Studios
26 Streets
7 Collectives
3 whole Days
25 Hours
5 Square Miles
10 Community Exhibition Spaces
13 Music Performances
6 Workshops
PHEW!
Galleries Inviting You In
Chatting to Fark the owner of the Corner Collective gallery on Albert Road, he said that the front-facing part of the gallery has always been open to the public but the back where all the action happens has never been a public space. Fark said he wants visitors to come and enjoy seeing his studio and the other resident artists that have space there.
He said, “POSE… is going to be a rad weekend…it’s the first time the studios are going to be open to the public so it’ll be great to see their reaction to the space.
“Also, visitors will be able to get some studio specials that will only be available this weekend…
and remember…
ladies with an attitude, fellas that were in the mood,
don’t just stand there, let’s get to it,
strike a POSE,
there’s lots of art to it!”
POSE Organisers
Speaking to the main organiser of the weekend event, Deb Dodsworth, she said, “Over the weekend, POSE will open the doors to studios, artist homes, community spaces, local businesses, and galleries which are all based in Portsmouth, fostering collaboration and community engagement.
“This event celebrates both emerging and established creatives and offers an accessible and inclusive platform for artists to perform, share knowledge, exhibit and sell their work, while also providing taster experiences for those with a curiosity for creativity.
“We encourage everyone to come, explore, and enjoy the weekend. Take time to meet friends, discover new artists, make new connections, and perhaps take home a piece of artwork.
“POSE is a celebration of Portsmouth’s creative spirit, and we invite you to be a part of it so look out for the POSE posters and red arrows inviting you into artist studios, their homes and all our numbered locations which are highlighted on the map in the supporting free POSE guide booklet.”
I am excited that this year the event is an extension of what was an open studio art trail before. You will be able to get involved in workshops and POSE covers a wider part of the creative industries this time by including sculpture, music and crafts as well as art. The fact that the galleries will open their doors with wide open arms (bearing in mind that there are more galleries here than ever before), means visitors will really get the full experience of the creative talent in our city.
Casemates Studios is also getting involved in the north of the city at Hilsea Lines. You can join in a jamming workshop which involves improving your skills, collaborating and turning your jams into songs! Live music will be happening on Saturday the 26th of October and Sunday the 27th too, so make sure to check out their socials to find out more!
First Time Artist
If anyone is a fan of When We Were Cows, you will be excited to know that he will open his front door for first-time visitors. John thrilled the local community with his exhibition at The Corner Collective gallery back in 2022 and you can read about it here. Having such a successful show highlights the anticipation of seeing his studio and works. It will be inspiring to visit him in his artistic surroundings and see what delightful treasures he has on display!
John said, “I’m excited to invite people into my home studio for the first time. – I like the idea that people can take a peek behind the curtain and get an understanding of my process, to see how ideas form and the thinking that goes into creating my artwork.
“It’s also a little bit nerve-wracking because my studio is my sanctuary – a space away from the world where I can explore ideas, play with materials and apply a different type of pressure to myself – it might feel odd sharing that with the outside world. I hope people do come though and enjoy their visit.”
Plan Your Journey
There are so many artists and creatives involved that it is hard for me to pin my excitement on just a small selection. What I will say is go and visit new places, artists and creatives you never knew you loved and add that to your list as well as your favourites. You might be pleasantly surprised and walk home with something you didn’t expect to buy.
Plan your journey and either pick up a physical map which is at various spots around the city like The Box Gallery, The Corner Collective and Stay Lucky gift shop or use the online guidebook to help you.
Please be aware that opening times and open days may vary at each venue so use this guide to plan your route, check times, access and other details. The guide will also be available to download at
https://www.cityartsportsmouth.com/pose-guidebook
