YVOS is primarily designed around artists opening their own creative space – the place where you actually work. That said, we recognise that not everyone works from a fixed studio, and we want to hear from you if your situation is different.

Pop-up spaces and shared studios have featured in past programs and can work well when they genuinely reflect your practice. In 2026, artists without a dedicated studio can indicate on their application whether they are interested in sharing a space or have a studio they can offer to others. Arrangements are managed independently between artists.

If you're unsure whether your situation fits, contact the Open Studios Coordinator before applying at openstudios@yarravalleyarts.org.au. We'd rather have the conversation early than have you miss out.

Yes. Groups or collectives of two or more artists who regularly work together under shared aims are welcome to apply as a single entity. You’ll be listed together in the brochure and online, and can nominate two works for the group exhibition.

Groups pay a single fee of $350 (versus $120 for individuals). One member must hold a current Member Plus membership of Yarra Valley Arts.

Note: artists temporarily sharing a studio just for Open Studios are not considered a collective and must each apply and pay individually.

Absolutely – and we encourage it. New participants are warmly welcomed. This year, we’re introducing a buddy system to connect new artists with experienced participants to help first-timers navigate the process. More details to come once applications are finalised.

Start by reading the YVOS 2026 artist information and terms & conditions document and these FAQs in full. They cover almost everything you need to know about eligibility, what is involved and what is expected.

If you have any questions at any stage, contact the Open Studios Coordinator at openstudios@yarravalleyarts.org.au

New applicants should also be aware that a studio visit from the organisers is part of the process – this is to ensure access and suitability, and to offer any practical advice before the weekend.

The participation fee ($120 for individuals, $350 for groups and collectives) contributes directly to the cost of running the program – brochure design and printing, signage, marketing, the group exhibition, and coordination. It covers both open weekends and the exhibition. It does not cover your own materials, display costs or any promotional activity you choose to do independently.

YVOS 2026 is supported by funding from Yarra Ranges Council, with participation fees making up part of the program budget.

It is more than two days! Participants consistently report that the preparation – studio setup, image provision, social media promotion, brochure content and the exhibition – adds up to a significant investment of time and energy before the weekends even begin.

This is worth thinking through honestly, particularly if your situation involves health, capacity, or space constraints. The program is most rewarding for artists who are able to be present and engaged across the full experience, not just the open days themselves.

In 2026, artists have the option to open across both weekends at no additional cost. If you’d like to do this, indicate it on your application. Artists opening both weekends will be noted in the brochure.

If you have questions about your location and which weekend applies, contact the Open Studios Coordinator at openstudios@yarravalleyarts.org.au

Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Feedback from 2025 participants consistently identified having a helper as one of the most important factors in a positive weekend. A helper means you can take breaks and spend quality time with visitors rather than managing logistics on your own.

Helpers can be family, friends, or volunteers. If you are offering activities for children, all relevant people in your studio will need a current Working With Children Check (free for those working with non-profit organisations).

Be present, be welcoming, and let people into your world. Studios should be open from 10am to 5pm both days (with personal breaks as needed).

Visitors want to see the real space where you work – works in progress, tools, materials and finished pieces. You don’t need to tidy up to gallery standard. A genuine, interactive experience is far more valuable than a polished presentation.

Think about whether you can offer a short demonstration or a hands-on activity. Even a simple ‘have a go’ moment can be memorable and build the kind of connection that leads to future sales or commissions.

Sales outcomes vary, and immediate sales are not the only measure of a successful weekend, so it is worth going in with realistic expectations. Many artists find that the visitors they meet during Open Studios become buyers later, sometimes months down the track, after following you on social media, attending the exhibition, or simply remembering the experience.

The program is most effective when you actively promote your participation and follow up post-event: direct visitors to your social channels, mention upcoming exhibitions or events, and collect contact details where people are happy to share them.

This was the most consistently raised concern in post-event feedback from 2025. Artists and visitors found the removal of the printed map in favour of QR-only navigation created real difficulties, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with the region or less comfortable with smartphones.

The 2026 brochure format is currently being reviewed. Restoring a printed map is a priority consideration.

Feedback from 2025 highlighted that artists wanted more lead time to promote their participation. Promotional tiles and templates will be provided ahead of the campaign launch, currently planned for early September.

We can also provide guidance on how to use these effectively across your own channels.

Each participating artist receives a listing in the YVOS brochure including an image, address, phone number and website or social media. You will also be listed on the YVA website and featured across social media channels.

Please ensure your application includes full and accurate address details to direct visitors accordingly.

All participating artists are expected to contribute a work to the Open Studios Group Exhibition at The Memo, Healesville (two works for groups and collectives). The exhibition will run from Wednesday 30 September to Sunday 1 November. Works must be delivered to The Memo by Sunday 28 September, and unsold works collected on Wednesday 4 November.

Works sold through the exhibition attract a 30% commission. Works listed online through the exhibition are also subject to this commission. There is no commission on studio sales. 

Prior to your open weekend, you will be asked to indicate how many directional signs and flags you need for your studio. These are collected on Wednesday 4 November along with any unsold exhibition works.

Artists are expected to attend the Exhibition Launch event and complete at least two volunteer shifts at the exhibition during its run. More details to come.