In 2017 local makers Chris Thompson and Judith Brown saw that creativity was blooming in Leek, with more and more artists and makers working locally, and they decided to put together a one day Open Studios event in May 2017 for the first time. Visitors were invited into studios and creative spaces for a unique opportunity to see people at their creative work. The first event was deemed a success with visitors and artists alike, with future potential, so a similar event followed in 2018.

In 2019 working together as a group it was decided to open up the event to more artists and makers by adding a two week Arts Trail in May, with work exhibited in the windows of shops and businesses in the centre of Leek, turning the streets into an open air art gallery.

2020 was a strange one and we ran an online event, Virtual Open Studios, which gave an insight into what we do. In 2023 we made more changes, and changed the arts trail format and concentrated on the makers being available to show you what they do. We have added in hub spaces and created a Meet The Maker event, where you will be able to see all of our participating artists demonstrating how they work.

Our events are artist led, self funded and independently run by a group of passionate artists and makers who put their time in voluntarily to build and grow events that benefit many and support the local economy.

This year our one day event will be Saturday 20th September 2025

Leek is a really creative place and we aim to encourage local artists (within a 30 mile radius of Leek) to showcase the work they make and to engage with an enthusiastic audience.

This is the third year we have run the event with hub spaces, allowing for a larger number of participants and it is a well attended and growing event.