Artist Faq's
DAOS is a celebration of visual art held annually for 9 days to provide an affordable opportunity for professional, amateur and emerging artists to show their work in diverse venues across the county.
For our inaugural year this is happening late summer 2027.
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What is Dorset Artist Open Studios ?
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Why is it a 9 day event ?
Based on our research a 9-day event provides you with a concentrated celebration designed to maximise audience attention, promotional impact and opportunities for you the artists, galleries and exhibition venues.
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Why choose Dorset Artist Open Studios ?
We put your talent in the spotlight.
We are not-for-profit with no commercial agenda.
Zero commission on all sales.
100% financial transparency.
Costs to artists is kept to a minimum.
We will listen to your feedback and make changes as necessary.
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Who can enter ?
We welcome entries from professional, amateur and emerging artists from all artforms. If in doubt please do get in touch.
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Where can be a venue ?
Venues include local cafés, restaurants, shops, business premises, galleries or outdoors, at local club buildings (local authority-run and private), at buildings of historical interest, in marquees assigned for the purpose, and at people’s own homes and studios/workshops.
All locations will be entered into the guidebook brochure that will be printed and made available widely, on the website and through the publicity of associated festivals and events.
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What does my entry fee cover ?
100% of fees go on the event production which include the following:
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County wide professional roadside signage and banner campaign.
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20,000 quantity Advanced flyer campaign.
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40,000 quantity A5 Full Colour Printed Brochures.
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Regional Area coordinators.
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Year-round event website.
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Dedicated website profile page to showcase your work/venue.
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Publicity in the press, online and in society magazines.
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Social media promotion.
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No commission on sales.
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Marketing materials: 5 x venue yellow signs, 1 x venue yellow banner, 1 x bunting, large poster, flyers.
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Receive a venue login so you can update, amend your online profile listing yourself.
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Why is registration so in advance ?
DAOS ensure your details are loaded on to our website and live for visitors to see before the 1st February.
As a small volunteer team we spread the load and by registering in advance helps us with our planning, proofing, designing, printing and extensive marketing campaign.
We understand this may be difficult for some, so we do offer the option of paying your entry fee and supplying your details at a later date. If this is the case then please do get in touch by filling in the contact form or by emailing us at:Â info@dorsetartistopenstudios.co.uk
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How do I register ?
Registration is simple, just click on the button at the bottom of this page and fill out the application form.
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When do I need to register ?
Reduced rate submissions are open 1st October - 31st October.
Final opportunity submissions, (subject to availability), will be open until 30th November.
All submissions must be completed with payment on or before 30th November.
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Do I need insurance ?
We recommend that you take out PPI and/or exhibition insurance to cover any loss or accident.
Some online options below – please check T&Cs as some artforms and activities are not covered:
If you are opening your own studio, venue or running workshops:
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Sole artist insurance £25 per year via Axis web
https://www.axisweb.org/membership/network-associate-with-insurance/ -
Artist Newsletter (A-n) for artists and groups from £38 per year
https://www.a-n.co.uk/join/ -
If you need exhibition insurance as you are exhibiting at a 3rd party venue – Society for All Artists (SAA) membership includes exhibition insurance for example https://www.saa.co.uk/membership/
DAOS is not responsible for loss or damage to artists work or for any harm to artists or members of the public or to their property caused by the work of participating artists.
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What is expected from me ?
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Collect your brochures from your distribution point and share them around your local area - (i.e. pubs, shops, clubs, cafes etc).
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Publicise in your neighbourhood - (i.e. local parish magazines, poster/notice boards, local shops etc).
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Put out and take down your yellow signs, banners and bunting - (Think about which way people will be travelling, i.e. car, bus, walking).
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Create a welcome entrance for visitors - (i.e. balloons, decorated flowerpots, decorated artist easel sign, etc). This will make your venue visible and friendly to new visitors.
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What if I need to cancel ?
Entry can be cancelled up until the end of December with a full refund if you have already paid. During January a refund will be issued less a 10% fee charged for work already completed.
During February, a refund will be issued less a 50% fee charged for work already completed.
1st March onwards, no refund will be issued as the brochure is already being printed and your listing will still appear.
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What is the artist directory on the website ?
The artist directory consists of every venue signed up for DAOS.
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What if I don't have a venue yet ?
We understand, we do offer the option of paying your entry fee and supplying your details at a later date, (before 31st December). If this is the case then please do get in touch by filling in the contact form or by emailing us at: info@dorsetartistopenstudios.co.uk
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How much is entry ?
With support from local businesses we are able to keep outgoings to a minimum whilst providing the highest quality and support.
The cost is based on the size of your listing in the brochure.​
21st September - 31st October
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¼ page – £150
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½ page – £280
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¾ page – £410
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Full page – £525
All entries receive a one venue profile page on the website.
1st November - 30th November
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¼ page – £180
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½ page – £340
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¾ page – £500
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Full page – £645
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Are my details safe ?
Yes, we are committed to processing your personal data in accordance with GDPR principles, ensuring lawfulness, fairness, and transparency.
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Do I have to live in Dorset ?
No. As long as your venue at the time of the event is within Dorset you can take part. We are non-selective and welcome artists outside of Dorset to join if they have a venue within Dorset.
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If a venue is a group, will all artists have their own profile page ?
A standard entry will consist of the venue profile page. If there is more than one artist then there will be an option for each artist to have their own profile page on the application form. There is a small additional charge for this to cover admin. £10 per additional page.