York Open Studios celebrates Yorkshire based artists’ creativity by announcing their dates for 2026. The north’s favourite cultural event is set to run in 2026 across two weekends in the city of York from Saturday and Sunday 18 – 19 April and 25 – 26 April. YOS invites more than 100 artists, who live or work within a 10-mile radius of York, to open their workspaces to show and sell their work, giving visitors a rare insight into where they work, their methods and inspirations.
With work on show and on offer across all budgets, styles and media, YOS has something for everyone from traditional and contemporary painting and print, illustration, drawing and ceramics, mixed media, glass and sculpture, jewellery, textiles and photography, York Open Studios is a brilliant opportunity to see behind the scenes and meet the artists, as well as buy. Five independent selectors, who work within the arts sector and based outside of the region, chose from applications from regular and new artists, some longstanding York residents and some new to the city, to ensure YOS 2026 showcases a range of diverse work to appeal to all visitors. This year, quality and variety are at an all time high with 27 artists new to YOS.
Charmian Ottaway, committee member and contemporary designer jeweller said:
As an artist myself, I can really understand the value of these very special weekends for artists and visitors. For some artists, it is the first time they have shown and sold their work, for many it is wonderful to hear the feedback and understand what buyers are looking for. It is a chance to show your inspiration and showcase your art. For visitors, it’s a lovely way to enjoy the city using either the maps on our website or in the printed directory so you can help plan your day, add to your collections or find new art that appeals. Whether you’re a fledgling buyer, a creative enthusiast or a serious collector, I can guarantee YOS will have something for you.
Regular artists such as fine art printmaker Jane Duke, sculptor and ceramist Tim Pearce and stained-glass artist Helen Bower, will help you build your collection, or visitors can seek out something entirely new with artists such as jewellery designer Amelia Donohoe, printmaker Melanie Hill, textile artist Nicola Harper and studio potter Danny Aitken who are new to YOS.
Visit the website for more information www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk and access the interactive map York Open Studios interactive map. Alternatively, a free printed directory is available from various tourist hubs and artist locations throughout the city of York and the wider city region. Plan your route to maximise the range of artists or organise your day interspersed with something entirely different! It’s time to put the dates in the diary.
York Open Studios 2026: A Celebration of Creativity
York Open Studios is an annual not-for-profit event which represents the best of artists and makers living or working within a ten-mile radius of the city. Many artists open their doors to invite the public into their workspaces; some artists will share venues or exhibit their work in other spaces. Artists who are not in their own workspace may display a selection of tools and materials or even demonstrate their skills to give you a more ‘Open Studio’ experience for visitors.
For more information visit York Open Studios or email info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk. Check out all the artists here Artists & Makers – York Open Studios. Stay in touch via social media: Facebook Instagram
