Across all four weekends in July, members of Cambridge Open Studios are taking part in the #OpenWindows2020 initiative founded by Denise Harrison, a fine-art painter based in Brighton. This fantastic project encourages artists, some of whom would normally show their work through open studio events, to display their artwork in their windows to brighten up people’s daily walk.

The popular annual Cambridge Open Studios event had to be cancelled this year due to COVID-19 but it has been great to see our local artists pulling together to find an alternative way to showcase their work. There has been a real sense of excitement building over the last few weeks within the local creative community ahead of the Cambridge Open Windows trails which start today, Saturday 4th July.

Cambridge Open Windows offers members of the public here in Cambridgeshire the opportunity to enjoy art and embrace community spirit at a time when things are still very uncertain.

Cambridge Open Studios have put together a map of the artists taking part in Cambridge, another for out-of-town artists and two further trails for Histon and Ely – you can download and print the maps here and start planning your artwork treasure hunt!

The idea for Cambridge Open Windows came from Kate Green Art, a member of Cambridge Open Studios and #WeAreCambsCreatives, who says: “COS is sadly one of the many many things to have been cancelled this year for artists due to coronavirus. Being the biggest event in my calendar income wise, this is really disappointing – but it’s not just about money, it’s also a deadline to work towards creatively/professionally, and an opportunity to increase ones audience and connections.”

When Kate heard about other artists getting involved with alternative events across the country she approached the organisation with her ideas for open windows. She has since helped to organise the event and says it is important “to invest in our communities at this challenging time, bringing colour to our streets and cheering people up.”

Throughout lockdown we have been inspired by the connections formed within communities through creative activities – rainbow window installations and rock snakes to name just two! You do not need to be a member to get involved in Cambridge Open Windows and Kate says, “the more the merrier”.

Head over to #COSArt2020 on Instagram to see more posts from the artists themselves – we will definitely be following along and are looking forward to heading out to discover the trails ourselves! If you are unable to get out at the moment then this is also a great way of accessing the event virtually and getting to know your local artists online.

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