The
first two November festival weekends (21st & 22nd Nov, 28th & 29th Nov) will now become a
virtual festival, appearing online only.
The second two December weekends (5th & 6th Dec, 12th & 13th Dec) will be running as normal once lockdown ends, with houses open to members of the public.
The Virtual Artist Open Houses will be
available to view at
www.aoh.org.uk, and will include virtual tours of artists' houses and studios and online galleries.
Judy Stevens, Festival Director says:
'This year has been like no other and, in this difficult time, we have all needed to be adaptable, to embrace change and make the very best we can of the situation in which we find ourselves.
"This year's AOH Festival will be different and has, of necessity, evolved in new and interesting ways.
"Everyone is now in need of some festive pleasure and we believe our festival, virtual and real, will offer special treats and great art for everyone.'
The Artists Open Houses festival provides an opportunity to shop away from the High Street and buy unique Christmas gifts.
There will be a hugely diverse selection of arts, crafts, jewellery, gifts for the home, Christmas cards, ceramics and gifts for children – plus much more.
The last six months have been a very challenging time for the city's many artists and makers; with the postponement of the May AOH festival and temporary closure of galleries, many of their usual means of selling work have dried up, due to the pandemic.
More than ever it is important to support our local artists and the creative businesses that make Brighton and Hove the vibrant city it is.
All houses will be fully compliant with Covid-19 the guidelines which have been produced in accordance with the current Government guidance and law, many offering booking systems.
Festival weekends are:
November 21 & 22
November 28 & 29
December 5 & 6
December 12 & 13