FAQs: Participation in Isle of Wight Open Studios 2026

This page will be updated and reviewed regularly. Last update: 23.01.26

Deadlines & Accessibility

What is the deadline for registration for Isle of Wight Open Studios (IWOS)?
The current deadline for IWOS 2026 registration is Sunday 1st February 2026, midnight. This includes uploading all your IWOS 2026 open studio event information ie dates, studio address, directions, access, about you, images etc.

How do I register to take part in IWOS 2026?
To register to take part in IWOS 2026, go to the 'Members Area' or if you're new to Open Studios, please go to 'Join Open Studios' to take part in IWOS 2026.

I've registered. What is the final deadline for listing my IW Open Studio 2026 details?
The final deadline for IWOS 2026 listings is  Sunday 1st February 2026, midnight. Registered artists need to log in to the 'Members Area' and submit your listing via the 'My Open Studio' tab. Ensure your listing is 100% complete before the deadline. (To update your profile details, go to the 'My Web Page' tab.) After  Sunday 1st February 2026 listings will be extracted for brochure design. Proofs will be sent in late February with one week for edits. No further changes can be made after this. Brochures will be printed by the end of March for distribution before the May 2025 event.

What if I can’t meet the registration deadline?
If the deadline is an issue, please contact the IWOS team as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate your circumstances.

Event Dates & Timeline

Why are the event dates for IWOS earlier than previous years (before 2020)?
The shift to earlier May dates was based on artist and visitor feedback and careful consideration of the Isle of Wight’s wider arts calendar. This move helps avoid conflicts with summer events and better accommodates visitor availability.

Why does my membership overlap with 2026?
If you took part in IWOS 2025, your membership will cover you for one year from the point of registration. This means if you registered in Jan 2025 your online profile will continue until you renew your membership for the following year.

Registration & Fees

What is included in the £65 registration fee?
The registration fee includes:

• Inclusion in an island-wide printed directory.
• An online profile for the event.
• The opportunity to participate in the Showcase Exhibition at Quay Arts (with an additional fee).

Why is the registration fee £65?
The fee reflects the added value for participants, including the printed directory and promotional opportunities. The fee remains below what was charged by the previous OS organisation (pre 2020) and is cheaper than most Open Studios events across the South of England.

Do I need to register again if my 2025 membership is still valid?
Yes, the registration fee is specific to participation in each year’s event. While your 2025 profile remains live (until one year after the date of when you registered), participation in the 2026 event requires you to renew your registration early to reflect updated details and cover event costs.

Do groups of artists showing together get a discount on the registration fee?
No, the registration fee of £65 is per person, regardless of whether artists are exhibiting individually or as part of a group. Each artist must register individually to be included in the online profile and printed directory. Offering discounts for groups has previously been seen as disadvantaging individual artists, so we maintain a fair fee structure to ensure equal visibility and opportunities for all participants.

Are registration fees refundable?
No, all registration fees are non-refundable, as outlined in the Terms & Conditions: https://www.isleofwightopenstudios.co.uk/lib/docs/terms.pdf

I've registered my IWOS event - so why isn’t my studio showing on the area map yet?
Once you’ve registered and added your venue pin on the map, your location won’t appear on the public area map straight away. This is because all artists are manually placed into their Open Studios areas by one of the IWOS team. Once an artist is assigned to an area, their venue pin will then appear on the relevant area map (North/Central, South, East or West Wight). This is a manual process and takes time - thank you for bearing with us while we work through registrations.

I've filled out all the fields in the 'My Open Studio' tab but where is the submit button?
There isn't one - just click save (located at the top and at the bottom) and make sure it is 100% complete - and that you have dragged the pin on the map to your studio location.

Participation Requirements

Who can participate in IWOS?
IWOS is open to all artists and craft-makers living on the Isle of Wight. You must register to IWOS online and have an Isle of Wight postal address to participate.

What does registering for IWOS involve?
To participate, you must complete the online application form, agree to the Terms & Conditions, and pay the registration fee. Applications must be submitted by the deadline, all details (including your submitted image) will be used for both the website and printed directory.

What are my responsibilities as an artist during IWOS?
Participating artists are required to:

• Open their studio or venue from 11am–4pm on advertised days and provide clear signage for visitors.
• Engage with visitors by discussing their work and answering questions.
• Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for the public.
• Promote their event using marketing materials provided by IWOS and their own networks.

What if I don’t have a studio space or want to be listed in the printed brochure without opening a studio?
If you don’t have your own studio, we encourage you to collaborate with other artists in your area to exhibit in shared spaces. Your Area Representative can help connect you with other creatives and venues. Please check here for your Area Rep.
If you’re not opening a studio but still wish to be listed in the printed brochure, you will need to register in the same way as all other participating artists by the deadline. This ensures your contact details are included in the printed directory.

Please note that all artists participating in shared spaces or wishing to be listed must register individually.

Can I list more than one Open Studios venue?
Unfortunately, the IWOS website and printed booklet are designed to list only one venue per artist. The map pin on the website can only be placed at a single address, and there are word/character limitations for the printed directory, which means we cannot accommodate multiple venue listings for an artist. If you are exhibiting at more than one location during the Open Studios dates, we recommend using the Calendar page on the website to promote your additional events or exhibitions. This section is available to IWOS artists year-round and is visible to the public. Make sure to include all relevant information - such as who, what, where, and when - and upload an image to make the most of this feature.

Can I use the IWOS logo or branding?
The IWOS name, branding, and logos may only be used for official IWOS events. Unauthorised use could result in membership termination.

What type of artwork can I display during IWOS?
All displayed work must be original and created by the registered participant. 

Do I need insurance for my studio or artwork?
Artists are responsible for their own public liability insurance and insuring their work or venue. For advice on artist-specific insurance, contact the IWOS team.

I'm not able to take part this year - can I still be included in the printed directory?
We recognise that not all artists may be able to open their studio during the Open Studios event itself. If this applies to you, you’re still very welcome to register (at the same price) and be listed on the back page of the printed directory - just contact us by 1st Feb with your artist name so we’re aware.

Membership & Online Profiles

What happens to my online profile if I don’t register for IWOS 2026?
For artists not participating in 2026, profiles created for 2025 will remain online one year from the day of purchase. After this date, profiles will be removed unless artists re-join for the 2026 event.

What are the benefits of registering early?
Artists who register before the deadline will ensure their inclusion in the printed directory, promotional campaigns, and website updates for IWOS 2026. Early registration helps streamline preparations for the event and guarantees maximum exposure.

Will IWOS use my images for promotion?
Yes, images uploaded to the IWOS website may be used for social media, press releases, or printed promotional materials. 

Additional Support

Who can I contact for help or clarification?
IW Open Studios is run by a small, voluntary team, so our inbox isn’t monitored constantly. However if you can't find what you are looking for here, please email the IWOS team at info@isleofwightopenstudios.co.uk or contact your Area Rep. We’re here to support you and ensure your experience is as seamless as possible.