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Artists' Open Houses 2013 is an integral and very popular part of Brighton and Hove's famous annual festival scene, a treasure trove of original art, sculpture and more, free to the public and open throughout the festival during May. Treat yourself to our city's best original art!

Welcome to Brighton and Hove's Artists Open Houses - Showcasing the very best in city creativity.

Brighton and Hove's Artists Open Houses May festival will run from 4th to 26th May 2013 

Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses (AOH) provide a unique and enduringly popular opportunity to view unique creative work in artists' homes and studios as well as a casual, friendly forum in which to buy original artworks direct from the artist or maker.

The Artist Open Houses main Festival normally runs in May with a smaller Christmas Festival in December where the city's open houses are completely free to visit, throwing their doors open to art lovers from far and wide at weekends.

This year's work includes beautiful hand-crafted jewellery, hand made ceramics and textiles, paintings and sculpture, printmaking, photography and a host more fabulous artworks in every conceivable medium.

The Artists Open Houses story

The AOH concept is the oldest and largest of its kind in Britain, a unique artistic experience, an array of stunning work from local artists who produce contemporary and highly original, affordable pieces.

In most cases you'll be able to meet the artists themselves too, finding out more about them, their work and what inspires them.

The Artist Open House May 2013 Trails

Many Open House venues belong to one of the 13 Open House Trails, which cover different  areas of the city and beyond. Some venues are independent. 

Most Trails are geographically grouped and houses are usually within walking distance of each other.

Entry is nearly always free and many houses offer homemade tea and cake.

Beyond The Level Artists Open Houses - Now in its 19th year, the Beyond The Level trail features nineteen open houses showcasing the work of the many and varied artists and makers who live north and west of The Level.

Brunswick Town - You'll find this popular trail on the seaside boundary between Brighton and Hove, in the Brunswick Town Conservation Area, famed for its Regency splendour.

Central Brighton - The Central Trail incorporates fabulous artworks spread across the heart of the city, extending to the seafront and the Palace Pier.

Art in Ditchling - Wend your way across the lovely Downs to the pretty little village of Ditchling, where a surprising number of artists and makers have made their home, creating wonderful and varied eye candy!

Dyke Road - The Dyke Road trail runs between Stanford Junior School and Preston Park rail station, with eleven exciting Open House venues to explore.

Fiveways - This year 25 houses open to present a unique trail with an international flavour including new members and a multitude of guest artists showing a staggering variety of work in all media.

Hanover - Visit pretty, hippy chic Hanover for a visual treat of a trail along this popular area's colourful terraced streets, jam packed with artisti talent.

Hove - It's Hove, actually, and there's an award-winning collection of beautiful art to enjoy and buy on this highly popular AOH trail!

West Hove - In its third year, this new trail is going from strenght to strength - one of our members won the award for Best Open House last year. With even more members, West Hove Arts Trail is a vibrant, exciting and accessible trail.

Kemptown - This quaint and lively area of the city is home to the Kemptown trail, incorporating Brighton's smart, modern Marina complex.

Newhaven and Ouse - Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and visit Newhaven, home to numerous artists and a trail that also incorporates open houses in Peacehaven and scenic South Heighton.

Seven Dials - Famed for its extensive art community and free thinking attitude, you'll love this year's ever-popular Seven Dials artists Artists Open Houses trail.

Rottingdean & Downs - This year we have 5 Open Houses in and about Rottingdean showcasing a variety of Art and Crafts.

Independent Houses

Some Open Houses are not part of trails and are 'independent' venues.  Explore your locality and find original and beautiful art in warm and welcoming venues.

Venue Opening times
Be sure to check opening times of all Open Houses in their individual listings. Although the most popular opening times are between 11am and 6pm, Saturdays and Sundays, some venues’ opening times and days may differ.

Paying for Purchases
Please remember that most houses are unable to accept plastic, so bring cheque- books or cash.

Access
The majority of houses are ordinary homes and may not have disabled access. Please check with venues individual brochure listings, and take a look at our ‘disabled access’ website section.

May 2013 AOH Brochure. Find out more in print!

Want to find out the nitty gritty detail of this wonderful festival treat?

Download the AOH Brochure here...

You can now pick up smart printed brochures via The Brighton Dome box office, Brighton and Hove railway stations, the city's libraries, museums and the tourist information centres.

Copies are also available from bars, pubs and cafes in and around the city centre and of course at the over 200 houses taking part in this year's Artists Open Houses festival.