Creative juices are in full flow in the Margaret River Region
144 artists signed for Australia’s largest Open Studios event
Margaret River Region Open Studios organisers are thrilled to reveal 144 amazing artists will feature in this year’s event – from painters to potters and printmakers, milliners to mosaicists, timber craftspeople to textile creators and illustrators to installation artists.
Spanning the popular tourism region from Busselton to Augusta, artists will throw open their studio doors for 16 days this September, welcoming in art appreciators from far and wide to sneak a peek into their usually private creative spaces.
This year, the event will be bolstered by increased support from long-time event partner, Private Properties.
Event Director Jim Davies said organisers were delighted to welcome them on board as Presentation Partner for 2024.
“It’s a great fit with a thriving local business and long-term supporter of Open Studios,” he said.
Marking 30 years of providing unforgettable end-to-end holiday experiences, Private Properties Director David Moyes said the Dunsborough-based organisation was looking forward to its increased involvement.
“Private Properties has been a sponsor of Margaret River Region Open Studios since inception 11 years ago,” he said.
“We’ve seen it grow to become Australia’s largest Open Studios event which draws thousands of visitors to the length and breadth of the region. Like Private Properties, Margaret River Region Open Studios creates memorable, lasting experiences and we couldn’t be prouder to increase our support in our 30th year of operation.”
Of the 144 talented artists now busily creating for September, 31 will be taking the leap for the first time, and 12 artists have never missed a year, participating in all 11 events.
MRROS artists are as diverse as the region they call home.
Their studios are spread across hay sheds and cow barns, inside their homes (and sometimes spread throughout!), in purpose-built idylls, converted water tanks, sea containers and renovated train carriages. Artists who already have galleries and showrooms take it a further step and invite visitors into their private workshops and back rooms where the creativity usually takes place behind closed doors.
Open Studios is an inclusive event, encompassing creators just starting their artistic journey and those, like Leon Pericles, Rebecca Cool, Christian Fletcher, John Miller, Lesley Meaney and Lauren Wilhelm, who have been successful commercial artists for decades.
We’re thrilled to have four Indigenous artists joining Open Studios this year – the highest number in the event’s history. India Armstrong, Melanie Hume, Jo Bear and Kim Klosses will bring inspiration from Aboriginal history, traditional stories and culture.
Creativity runs in the blood of several of our artists who are sharing their creative havens with siblings, parents, children and partners.
Margaret River Region Open Studios presents a rare experience to get inside an artist’s mind through their art and creative spaces – to talk to them in person about their inspiration, process and style, and see where the artistic magic happens.
MRROS runs from 7 to 22 September 2024 and is Australia’s largest Open Studios event, showcasing the work of artists based across the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
In 2023 the event attracted approximately 15,000 visitors who made 145,000 studio visits! Artists have the opportunity to sell their work as part of the studio visit experience.
All 144 artists are now profiled on the event website mrropenstudios.com.au to start planning your art safari in Australia’s’ South West.
An A3 Event Guide will be available closer to the event from your nearest Jackson’s Drawing Supplies, regional visitor centres or view online.
Book your accommodation now to avoid disappointment – visit event partner privateproperties.com.au or margaretriver.com for inspiration.
Margaret River Region Open Studios is made possible thanks to Private Properties, Tourism Western Australia, Government of Western Australia, Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Rio Tinto, Swings & Roundabouts, City of Busselton and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
