Open Studios and Art Auction – A creative social event on campus!
One of the best social events at Goldsmiths is always the Fine Art open studios, however outside of the art department, barely anyone knows about them, making it kind of a hidden gem! If you’re an artsy person, It’s the perfect occasion for you, with lots of opportunity to make new friends, have a nosey look around the artist’s studios, and maybe even buy yourself some art!
Our latest open studios event was on the 9th of May, although they usually take place around once per term. Organising the event is always a collaborative effort by third year students, as all of the money raised over the night goes towards the funding for their degree shows. There is a bar with cheap alcohol (only if you’re 18+ of course!) and soft drinks, most often on the ground floor of the Church (St. James Hatcham building) where many of the art student’s events take place. Students usually use this as an occasion to put on their own mini exhibitions, booking out rooms and installing their work, or even to show their films or performances. It’s always a big community event- many people bring their children and their cute dogs!
At this open studio event, we had an art auction on the Church ground floor, which many students donated their work to. The items up for bidding ranged from beautiful prints, paintings, and sculptures, all the way to a bunch of asparagus and a rat trap. The bidding always starts off at £1, giving everyone a chance to win! Alongside the drinks, all of the purchases from the auction also go towards degree show funding.
This time, I won myself a beautiful jug for £5!
All in all, it’s definitely my favourite social event, and I really recommend coming along if you’re ever nearby or if you’re attending Goldsmiths. If you’re considering studying in the art department, it’s an amazing way to get a sense of the vibes and the community, and also to have a good look around all of the studio buildings as this is the only time they are accessible to the public (other than open days). The next one will take place in the autumn term next academic year, and the dates are usually announced closer to the time- so I’ll be sure to post that to the blog so you can come along!
