2024 has been a whirlwind for BArtS, full of exciting changes…We’ll be building on this momentum in 2025 by improving our printmaking facilities, installing the Sculpture Garden and reintroducing photography as a creative discipline. Workshops will also continue to explore a broader variety of art forms.

There’s no Open, like Barts’ Open, like no Open we know. Held over the October Long Weekend, the Barts October Open was well attended by all sorts of people, giddy with the vertiginous feeling of having an extra day off. It had a really lovely vibe, and was a marvellous showcase of work, this time - for the first time in a while - including 3D, which made for a more diverse range of entries.

Spring has well and truly arrived, and, along with grass that’s riz and amorous birds, it’s an inspiring time of year to get involved and active in all things BARTS...Many BARTS folk have had a very busy winter, mind. Volunteers have been organising things for the upcoming October Open exhibition, installing the new kiln shed, landscaping the grounds, cataloguing the library, and running workshops and studio groups.

The inaugural portrait exhibition, The Bartchibalds, at BARTS was a resounding success with over 60 entries, highlighting the talents of numerous individuals in both 2D and 3D mediums. Visitors thoroughly enjoyed the event, which showcased an impressive range of artistic skills.