Wandsworth’s favourite grassroots arts event is back this autumn. Wandsworth Artists’ Open House returns across two weekends — 4 & 5 October and 11 & 12 October, from 11am to 6pm — inviting artists of all kinds to open their doors and share their work with the public.
From painters and potters to illustrators, textile artists and photographers, hundreds of creatives will transform living rooms, studios, garden sheds and local cafés into mini-galleries, welcoming neighbours, collectors, and curious passers-by. For visitors, it’s a chance to discover new art in unexpected places. For artists, it’s a rare opportunity to showcase and sell work commission-free in a relaxed, personal setting.
The event is a highlight of the borough’s cultural calendar — and this year, it’s set to be even bigger and more vibrant as part of Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture 2025.
Registration is open now for anyone living, working or exhibiting in Wandsworth — but the deadline is fast approaching: Thursday 16 May.
A Beloved Community Celebration
Now in its 21st year, Wandsworth Artists’ Open House (WAOH) has grown from a small local initiative into a borough-wide creative festival, with four self-guided trails spanning Putney, Battersea, Balham, Southfields, Tooting, and Furzedown. Visitors explore at their own pace, discovering emerging and established artists alike — often in the very homes and studios where the work was made.
But beyond the art, it’s about connection. The event fosters community, brings people together, and gives artists a platform outside of the traditional gallery space. Conversations happen over cups of tea. Friendships are formed across front doors. Visitors return year after year — some to buy, others simply to be inspired.
Thinking of Taking Part? Here’s What You Need to Know
It costs just £75 to register as a solo artist — and if you’re sharing a venue with other artists, there are discounts available for group entries. That fee covers:
- A featured listing in the printed trail leaflet, circulated across the borough
- A personal artist page with up to four images on the WAOH website
- Inclusion in a borough-wide promotional campaign linked to the London Borough of Culture 2025
You don’t need to be a marketing expert or tech wizard to take part — just have a space to show your work, and a few key details ready when you register:
- The address where you’ll be exhibiting (whether it’s your home, a shared studio, or a local café)
- A short description of your work, written in the third person
- A square image (JPEG, max 1500x1500px) of your artwork for the trail leaflet and website
- (Optional) Up to four more images for your online artist profile
Registration is a one-step process — you’ll need to complete the form in one go and make payment within seven days to confirm your place.
If you’re exhibiting as a group, one artist will act as the venue host, adding the basic venue information and inviting others to upload their artist details separately.
Be Part of Something Bigger
Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, taking part in WAOH is about more than selling work. It’s about showing your process, meeting your neighbours, and being part of a supportive, welcoming arts community.
Hundreds of artists and thousands of visitors take part each year — and 2025 promises to be the most exciting yet, thanks to the Borough of Culture spotlight.
So don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
- Register by Thursday 16 May at: www.artistsopenhouse.co.uk
- Follow updates on Facebook and Instagram: @wandsworthartistsopenhouse
- Email for help or questions: waoh23@gmail.com
