FAQs
Who is eligible to be a member of the North Norfolk Studios?
Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible and to make our events a celebration of the creative output of artists and makers in North Norfolk.
The constitution states that 'membership is only open to visual artists and makers, and those whose studio, practice or residence is within the district of North Norfolk’*. The official NNDC map can be found here (please let us know if the link gets broken). In practice our boundaries are more fluid providing members can link to an existing Trail in ‘a contiguous line’.
‘Membership is not conditional on any qualitative assessment of a member’s work’.
‘Membership of the co-operative is effective from the date of payment of one ordinary share valued at £1 and will continue until the member forfeits the share or the organisation is wound up.’
What are the criteria for taking part in the Open Studios event?
Obviously, we would prefer the event to be just that: an opportunity for the public to visit us in our working studios to gain some insight into the processes involved in creative work rather than concentrating solely on the end product. However, in recognition of the fact that not everyone has a space large enough to open to the public, we have widened the remit of the Open Studios to include situations where artists use public spaces to show their work, or share with another artist’s studio. The only proviso is that all artists showing in any given space should have paid the Open Studios fee if that location is to be included in the North Norfolk Open Studios publicity. Equally, those sharing a studio space should pay one fee each unless all their work is truly collaborative. If in doubt, please ask.
What do the Open Studios fees cover?
The fees are to cover the costs involved in the production of the many thousands of brochures, posters, flyers, roadside banners and website used to organise and promote the event. This year it is envisaged that we need around 140 participants to break even. Currently there are no paid staff on the Steering Group who dedicate many, many hours in behind the scenes work to organise and market the event thus promoting its success. Any excess funds are carried over to the next year to help fund the start of the next event. All monies are held in the co-operation’s named bank account and are presented at the AGM for inspection by the membership.
What is the situation regarding insurance?
It is the sole responsibility of you, the individual artist, to ensure you have public liability insurance cover in place during all North Norfolk Studio events in which you participate. Two companies that can help are:
A-N is a public liability insurance provider offering annual cover. Find them at www.a-n.co.uk
Axis Web also provides artists public liability cover. Contact them at. hello@axisweb.org
For how many days must I be “open”?
It is expected that all artists will be “open” for a minimum of four of the 9 days of our Open Studios event, preferably from 10am – 5pm. You should stick to your chosen days as advertised on the website and in the brochure as this is the information that the public will have for visiting your studio. If you have to close in an emergency then please go to your artist page on the website and amend the details that day as well as placing signage outside your studio.
Why are we split into trails?
Most Trails are organised by location giving the benefit of a cohesive identity and ensuring visitors can easily be recommended on to another artist in your locality. Additionally, the shared efforts of each Trail lead to greater visitor numbers, especially when the Trail produces its own complimentary marketing materials such as Trail Leaflets.
‘Members are required to either be a member of a local North Norfolk Art Trail, or be affiliated to one, for no other reason than to enable a cascade system of administration and support, thereby reducing the time spent in overall administration of the co-operative and [theoretically] releasing more time to drive the co-operative’s aims. If an Art Trail with a geographically contiguous membership contains some members from outside the district of North Norfolk and some from within, then all members of that Trail will still be eligible to join North Norfolk Studios’.
Who is on the steering committee of North Norfolk Studios?
Terrie Clifft [Chair], Keri Lowe [Treasurer], Ros Fereday [Secretary], Carole Griffin and Jeremy Bevan took on their roles respectively following the 2023 Annual General Meeting.
Additionally, Nick White develops and maintains our website, and Amelia Mills organises our social media accounts.
Who deals with compliments, complaints and suggestions for future improvement?
In the first instance, any issues regarding the organisation should be addressed to the Chair via email: terrie.clifft126@btinternet.com
Any suggestions or issues relating solely to the website should be addressed to Nick White: 26tqbfjotld@gmail.com
How else might I benefit from being a member of the North Norfolk Studios?
Apart from the camaraderie of like-minded folk, you will be able to send us details of any exhibitions you are in and we will advertise them on our website for you. Our social media team led by Amelia Mills will also be looking for material to promote you and the North Norfolk Studios so please tag https://www.instagram.com/northnorfolkstudios and https://www.facebook.com/northnorfolkstudios in your postings.
What is the difference between the North Norfolk Studios and the North Norfolk Open Studios and are they different to the Norfolk Open Studios?
The registered title of our umbrella organisation is North Norfolk Studios [NNS] and the Open Studios event, organised by us, is frequently referred to as either NNOS or North Norfolk Open Studios.
Norfolk Open Studios is run by the Norfolk and Norwich Festival as one of its initiatives. It receives funding from the Arts Council and from Norwich City Council in addition to the subscription fees paid by the participants. The Festival manages Norfolk Open Studios in partnership with Norfolk artists and makers.