Arundel area artists throw open their doors for the annual Gallery Trail

Running from August 20-29, 12-5pm daily, the trail will see artists, makers, galleries, shops and homeowners throw open their doors and invite you into their studios and their houses – and also into their creative thought processes. The trail is a largely walkable, open-house art event, and it’s free to all visitors.

Co-organiser and participating artist Andy Waite said: “Last year, because Covid was still quite prevalent, we changed the format to spread it over three long weekends over Friday to Sunday rather than the usual ten-day straight run and I don't think it worked terribly well. We gave people the option to decide which weekend they wanted to open and really it was just a bit all over the place so we are pleased to return to the traditional ten-day format that runs alongside the festival.

“I don't think we are quite back up to normal numbers. Last year we had maybe 20 odd artists and this year we've got it back up to 34 venues with some venues shared so I would say that altogether we have got up to 90 artists in 30 odd venues. We've had 50 venues in previous years but in fact it is getting harder and harder to find venues. There is not quite the same spirit of generosity that there used to be in the early days when people who are not artists themselves were prepared to open their homes for artists to display their work. That does not seem to happen quite so much now and also I think perhaps people are just more cautious because of the pandemic. And also a lot of homes are now second homes and also there are a lot of air bnb's cropping up so for whatever reason it is getting harder to find venues. But it is good that we've got back to the level that we have and also that is all very walkable, largely along three or four streets and very easy to negotiate. In the past we've always said no to people outside of the town but this year we have said yes to a couple of venues outside. We've got a couple of venues at Walberton and we've also got Piers Ottey at Ford.

“And it covers a whole range of artists, paintings, ceramics, textiles, everything and I think people do enjoy the fact that it gives a very different experience than going into a gallery. You can meet the artists and chat about their process. Some people want to know how things are done and what is the inspiration and also people love coming into the homes of Arundel. You get to walk around some lovely Georgian town houses and there is also some art in there as well!” As for the likely take-up from the public: “It is very difficult to gauge. Some people will be cautious still. Last year we were slightly down in numbers but there were still people there wanting to get out and about. We had precautions in place and we asked people to mask up last year. We're not asking people to do that this year, but I think people just want to get out now.” Free trail guide and map available from every venue. Free entry.