Inside Medway Open Studios

Over 180 artists to display their work across 30 venues

Medway Open Studios launches tomorrow night at the Oast Community Centre in Rainham. It is a two-week festival celebrating local art, the brainchild of Sun Pier House’s Heather Burgess. MOS allows Medway’s artistic community to open their studios, which are sometimes also their homes, and display work in cafes, pubs and restaurants. “The festival is grassroots and independent,” says Wendy Daws, artist and one of the event organisers.

Photo: Nigel Rumsey

“Not everyone feels comfortable showing their work in their home,” says Xtina Lamb, another artist involved in organising the event. “I wouldn't want my home open because my cat would bugger off”, notes Wendy. Many artists will attempt to sell their work during the event, but it isn’t only about that. MOS is an opportunity to talk about the work. “I've never sold a single thing in open studios. I'm not doing it for that,” says Wendy, who also showcases the work of the visually impaired artists she works with. 

30 venues will host over 180 artists for this year’s event, and the website provides guides and maps so you can follow a trail of art across Medway. However, be sure to check which day you are going. The individual nature of the festival means that not all artists are available for the entire event. As Xtina clarifies, “They choose which dates and times during the nine days they want to be open.”

Whilst Medway Open Studios is a unique experience, the concept occurs in various places with a creative community. “Usually it's grassroots”, says Xtina, and it gives artists “a moment where they clean their studio”, she adds with a laugh. “I didn't join it the first year, but the second year I joined it, and it was the third year that I then put the sight loss artists work”, says Wendy. “It's a chance to showcase their work every year at Rochester Cathedral. It's in this wonderful space and it is about celebration of the work they've been doing throughout the year.”