Open Arts Project is a non profit Social Enterprise that passionately believes that artists and crafts people can play a vital role in our society by enriching the lives of their local communities. Our main activity is the organisation of local arts events which provide:

• Affordable and credible exhibition space for artists and crafts people.

• Positive events that enrich the lives of local communities.

• Fund raising opportunities for local good causes.

Open Arts Project currently runs two events:

URBAN ART - An annual street art fair which takes place in Brixton's Josephine Avenue, London SW2, during the second weekend of July. This event was started in 2002 and has grown from just 35 artists exhibiting on the Saturday to over 150 artists exhibiting over both days. It now has an international reputation and attracts over 7,000 visitors who come to see a wide range of work including painting, photography, mixed media and print. We invite exhibitors with a range of experience allowing new artists to exhibit alongside professionals; this provides variety for our visitors and learning opportunities for exhibitors. The event is supported by local residents and we also engage charity partners who, in return, receive a percentage of the artists' sales.

LAMBETH OPEN - This annual open studio event was started in 2009 to provide an opportunity for artists and crafts people in the borough to open their doors to the public; this could be their studio, home or whatever premises they can find. The event happens every first weekend in October and has proved popular with Lambeth's large and vibrant creative community. It has also proved popular with local residents who enjoy the opportunity of discovering who is producing work in their neighbourhoods. We also encourage local charities and good causes to get involved by suggesting fund raising opportunities within the event.

Open Arts Project aims to create opportunities which benefit both the local community AND artists, it is this mutual benefit which has been key to the longevity of our events. Another benefit is they allow the public to meet artists face to face, creating new learning opportunities and providing an accessible and informal way for more people to discover art.

This solid base of support from artists, communities and the wider public has helped grow our reputation for supplying well run, relevant and popular arts events. If you would like to know more, or have a project where we might be able to help, please  contact us.