ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT 2
ON THE ARTS MAP SOUTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS TURNS 30!
This year, South East Open Studios( SEOS) celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of championing visual arts across the South East. Since launching in 1997, SEOS has become one of the UK’ s most established and anticipated open studio events, with 2026 set to be its most inspiring edition yet.
Running from 5- 21 June, SEOS showcases outstanding creative talent across Kent. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a vibrant cultural fixture, offering visitors a unique opportunity to discover- or rediscover- the region’ s artistic community.
Every June, hundreds of artists and makers open their studio doors to the public. Visitors can explore the spaces where ideas take shape, view a wide range of work- including ceramics, painting, textiles, glass, jewellery and printmaking- and buy or commission original pieces. Meeting artists in person offers valuable insight into their inspiration and process.
SEOS is about more than viewing art; it’ s about experiencing it. Many participants demonstrate techniques, encouraging conversation and connection while building lasting relationships between artists and audiences.
To help plan visits, printed guides are available locally and the SEOS website allows users to search artists by medium and location. Downloadable trails make it easy to create personalised art routes across Kent.
To celebrate this milestone, a preview exhibition will be held at West End House Gallery from 1- 25 May. Featuring selected works from participating artists, it offers a taste of what to expect during the Open Studios event.
Over 30 years, SEOS has supported emerging talent, launched careers and connected communities through creativity. Whether you’ re a collector, an enthusiast or simply curious, it remains an unmissable highlight of the cultural calendar.
seos-art. org seopenstudios
SALLY OASIS PAINTINGS
JASON MULLIGAN
SOUTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS 5-21 JUNE 2026
ASHFORD • DOVER, FOLKESTONE & HYTHE • MAIDSTONE • SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE • TUNBRIDGE WELLS SWALE • ROTHER & HASTINGS WEALDEN & MID SUSSEX
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TH
ANNIVERSARY
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