One of Cornwall’s best loved annual creative events for the past 20 years has announced it is closing its doors for good due to a lack of funding.

Open Studios, an event run by Creative Kernow, announced today (September 5) it’s closing due to reduction in funding in the current economic climate. This year’s event was the last.

The annual event saw artists, makers and creatives open their studios to the public for nine days in May and June.

Over the years hundreds of artists from across Cornwall have taken part, welcoming thousands of visitors to explore their spaces, meet the makers, and purchase unique pieces.

After 20 years the event has now come to an end.

Creative Kernow CEO Fiona Wotton said: “The ending of the Open Studios event highlights the challenges of the current economic climate.

“For many years, Open Studios was made possible by a series of grants in addition to the income from participation fees. This included funding and in-kind support from Creative Kernow's Creatives Skills and Cultivator EU funded programmes.

“As funding for artist development has been reduced in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging for Open Studios to remain sustainable, despite our efforts.

“We would like to thank all of the artists who have taken part in Open Studios Cornwall over the years and the many visitors who took time to explore the inspirational artistic practice of our creative communities.”

Creative Kernow will be offering other showcasing opportunities for artists through their associates programme, details of which can be found here: https://associates.creativekernow.org.uk/ Open Studios was an event encouraging artists from across Cornwall to open their doors to the public.

In 2024 over 300 artists took part in the event from Lizard to Bude, Downderry to Land’s End. The aims of the event were for individuals to meet the artists and have inspirational conversations; to see inside the studio and learn more about the artist’s own practice; and to purchase unique pieces of work.