Open Studios is a rare chance to connect with your audience in a genuinely personal way, including social media followers who may have admired your work online for years but never had the opportunity to meet you. Visitors can see your studio, handle your tools, smell the paint, and ask the questions they’ve always wanted to ask. That kind of direct experience stays with people and often shapes how they relate to the work they take home.

The Group Exhibition is where most visitors start when planning which studios to visit, so your exhibited piece should be a strong representation of your practice. 

The program runs throughout October with two dedicated open studio weekends, giving visitors time to explore each area properly.

Program dates

10 & 11 October – Yarra Valley artists (around Melba & Maroondah Highways)

24 & 25 October – Upper Yarra artists (along the Warburton Highway)

30 September to 1 November – Group Exhibition at The Memo, Healesville

Submissions due 5pm Tuesday 30 June

Please read the artist information and terms & conditions before completing the application form. Further information available at https://www.yarravalleyarts.org.au/open-studios-2026-applications 

Artists’ studios/home workspaces must be within the Yarra Valley (inc Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Yarra Glen, Healesville and surrounds) or Upper Yarra (towns along the Warburton Highway & Mt Evelyn).

Participants must be (or be willing to become) YVA Member Plus artists. Read more about YVA membership here.

Participation fees: $120 for individual artists or $350 for groups of two or more artists – payable on acceptance.

Artists are expected to be at their studios on both days of their Open Studios weekend from 10 am to 5 pm.

Images to support your application should include examples of:

Artwork – final and some in progress

Your studio – interesting detail and overall

Yourself working in your studio.

Note: these images may be used to promote your studio and the program in general. Images should be fresh (not the same as last year).

Submission of this application means you have read and agree to the artist information and terms & conditions.

Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

All submissions are carefully reviewed, with consideration given to the quality of works, evidence of development over the last year, and the suitability of your studio environment.

For further information and to apply, visit https://www.yarravalleyarts.org.au/open-studios-2026-applications 

IMPORTANT DATES

APPLICATIONS:

Application Submissions due Tuesday 30 June, 5pm

Notification of acceptance: 14 July

ARTIST MEETINGS:

Open Studios launch: September, The Memo (Date TBC)

Wrap-up: November (Date and venue TBC)