The guest artist programme was introduced in 2023 to give local artists an opportunity to display their work in a historic location, hold conversations about their work and interact with the public. Guest Artist’s bring finished pieces, sketchbooks and works in progress to the Round Tower and allow people to engage directly with their practices.
The application process is open throughout the year, and we will keep all applications on file for 12 months. Please read the Terms and Conditions before applying.
OVERVIEW
What is Open Studios?
Hotwalls Studios brings artists and makers together in the exceptional heritage location of Old Portsmouth, to start and grow their creative ventures in an environment of mutual support, creativity, and innovation. On the third Sunday of each month the 13 studios open their doors for our popular Open Studios events which give the opportunity for the public to see all our artists and makers at work. We are now looking to bring a series of Guest Artists into the mix!
What is the Open Studios Guest Artist programme?
Each month we will invite a different Guest Artist to spend a day working in the Round Tower, which will be used effectively as our ’14th Studio’. The Round Tower is a large space so we will screen off an area of approx. 20 square meters, which is the average size of our studios, to work in for the day. This is an opportunity to display and sell work, engage with the public and other artists, create new contacts, and generate new work in a unique setting. To be clear, it is not an exhibition and will not be promoted as such.
What are the benefits?
Guest Artists can sell work and Hotwalls Studios will not take commission. You will be included and promoted in e-newsletters, social media posts and on our website. This is also an opportunity to showcase work, raise your artistic profile, engage with new audiences, and promote yourself for the day!
What is the price?
This is a free opportunity we offer to 12 specially selected artists each year.
Why can’t I use the whole of the Round Tower?
The Guest Artist programme is a free opportunity. The Round Tower can be hired for exhibitions, usually for a weekend over 2 or 3 days with extra time for install and private view.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please read the following information carefully, you will be expected to abide by the terms and conditions below. A signed copy must be retained by you the Guest Artist and a signed copy must be returned to the Hotwalls Studios team.
1) Operating Hours, Set Up and Parking
Open Studios runs from 11am to 4pm. Guest Artists will be greeted on the day by a member of the Hotwalls Team and shown to the Round Tower. We ask for the Round Tower to be set up by 10.45am on the day. If you need to deliver items to the space, vehicle access to the Round Tower is restricted but can be available between 8.30am and 10.45am if necessary. There is no parking at Hotwalls but there are pay and display parking bays along the Parade Ground that are just a few metres walk to the Round Tower.
At the end of the day, we ask that you are packed up and off site by 5pm at the very latest.
2) Equipment
The equipment we have available is:
– 4x tables
– Chairs
– 4x Anglepoise lamps
– 4x Extension cables
– Display boards
Artists must bring their own equipment and artwork to work on for the entirety if the day. All artwork and equipment must be removed from the Round Tower by 4.45pm. There is no storage on site for artist’s work/equipment before or after the event.
3) Electrical items
Electricity is available via plug sockets in the Round Tower. Any electrical items brought into the space must be PAT tested. There is lighting, heating and Wi-Fi in the Round Tower. The Round Tower is not covered by a PRS licence, so it is not possible to have music playing at this public event.
4) Offensive material
Open Studios is an all-ages event which must be accessible to all. Hotwalls Studios reserves the right to request the removal of any object/artwork deemed to be offensive at our absolute discretion.
5) Approval of Sale
Artists must only sell items as agreed on application. Under no circumstance is alcohol to be served.
6) Approval of Demonstration
All working demonstrations must be agreed in advance with the Hotwalls Studios team who have the right to refuse any proposed demonstrations that they deem unsafe or inappropriate for the Round Tower.
7) Fire Safety
Guest Artists will be given a briefing on the evacuation process before the event and fire extinguishers are available in the Round Tower. Guest Artists are not permitted to use flammable gas or naked flame.
8) Public Liability
Guest Artists are covered by the Hotwalls Studios Public Liability Insurance so are not required to have their own Public Liability Insurance.
9) Liability
Hotwalls Studios / Portsmouth City Council will not be liable for any loss or damage, consequential or otherwise to any Guest Artists property or produce.
10) Rubbish Removal
At the end of the event, the Round Tower must be left clean, tidy, and waste free. Within reason we can dispose of waste generated during the event.
11) Cancellation
Open Studios is an all-weather event so will take place come rain or shine. Only in very extreme circumstances will the Hotwalls Studios team consider cancelling the event.
12) Agreement
Promotion of the Guest Artist will commence up to 10 weeks in advance of the event so we ask that the participating artist confirms their commitment by signing and returning a copy of the terms and conditions.
To apply, please complete the form below.
