Medway Open Studios and Arts Festival
Artist Statement:
Medway’s independent Open Studios and Arts Festival began in 2012. Since then, it has given the public a unique opportunity to visit working studios across Medway. Each year, local artists showcase a wide range of art forms, including craft, visual art and performing arts.
The festival takes place every July. Visitors can follow it as an arts trail, as many studios sit within easy walking distance of each other. In addition, visitors can enter a prize draw by collecting studio signatures in the official festival brochure.
We actively encourage creatives across Medway and Kent to take part. Artists open their workspaces to the public, exhibit their work, talk about their creative process and sell directly to visitors. Many also run workshops, demonstrations and special arts events. As a result, the festival creates meaningful connections between artists and the community.
Schools, colleges and community groups can also apply, alongside individual artists and collectives.
Founder and organiser Heather Burgess grew up in Medway and remains passionate about supporting the area’s creative culture. She runs the festival with a small team of Medway-based artists: Xtina Lamb and Wendy Daws.
Each summer, visitors explore hidden studios and creative spaces across Medway. Along the trail, they can take part in activities, view exhibitions, meet local artists and discover the depth of artistic talent in this vibrant area of Kent.
Medium & Specialty: Arts Festival
Sun Pier Resident Since: 2012
Gallery
Our Artists & Creative Community
Sun Pier House is home to 28 working studios shared by 33 professional artists and makers. Undoubtedly forming one of the most diverse and vibrant creative communities on the riverside.
Our residents represent a wide range of contemporary art and craft practices. Within our building you’ll find a tattooist, stop-motion animator, silversmith, performance artist, milliner, illustrator, graphic designer, painter, photographer and many more creative professionals working across disciplines.
Together, our residents reflect the strength and diversity of contemporary creative practice today. With every visit to Sun Pier House, you are not just stepping into a gallery, you are entering a working community of artists and makers shaping the cultural life of our area every day.
