Our story
Our journey began in 2021 when someone connected Eve to Emma for an illustration workshop. From that day, we knew we were a great team. We both shared the same simple yet powerful vision: to make art accessible to everyone.
As creatives ourselves, we know art has the power to transform lives, create relationships and bring communities together. We also know it’s really hard to break into the art world—so we envisioned a space where we could bring people together, where emerging artists could thrive.
So we started the Open Art Market! Just 6 stripy stalls on Portobello Road that have now grown into a thriving market and a diverse creative community that continues to evolve and expand.
In 2024, we achieved CIC status, meaning that we are now officially recognised as a social enterprise dedicated to benefiting our community. This was hugely validating for us and meant we could go on to do even more pop-up markets, and kick off our Open Art Show!
The people we meet always amaze us. Creative people are so kind, smart and inspiring—and we always hear the same echoed after our events. We love what we do, and we love that so many of you want to be a part of it.
Whether you’re an artist, art lover, or someone looking to try something new, there’s a place for you here.
Emma + Eve x
Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and explore our events and workshops.
Open Art Spaces was founded with a simple yet powerful vision:
to make art accessible to everyone.
Our values
Provide a general description of the items below and introduce the services you offer. Click on the text box to edit the content.
Service Name
Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.
Service Name
Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.
Service Name
Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.
how do i apply?
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about our upcoming shows and application opportunities!
How much is it?
It's free to apply to the Open Art Show!
Exhibiting fee varies depending on venue, please check the application form.
What do i get?
-
Each artist has the opportunity to submit up to three pieces. Please note that the exhibiting fee is per piece selected.
-
We'll host an Opening Night, where you can invite everyone to see the Open Art Show and meet all of our artists.
-
All artists will receive promotional assets for instagram and socials.
-
Every artist will be represented in our online Open Art Show Catalogue.
-
Our events are professionally photographed. You're free to use any images after.
-
You'll always have an OAS team member ready to help if you need us.
"The venue was great, the speakers were good. I enjoyed meeting the other artists and enjoyed the art activities. Overall it was very well organised."
100%
of participating artists would work with Open Art Spaces again.