OPEN STUDIOS 2026 APPLICATIONS 

NOW OPEN

DATE:

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th, September, 2026

TIME:

Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

LOCATION:

Melkbosstrand (various Ateljee/Studios/Hubs)

PARTICIPATION FEES:

PRIVATE STUDIO: R500 pp
ART HUB: R1200 pp

BUSINESS: (GALLERY/COLLABORATION/SHOP) R1000 per group

OPEN STUDIOS CONCEPT

An open studio is intended to foster creativity and encourage experimentation in an atmosphere of cultural exchange, conversation, encouragement, and freedom of expression. 

An OPEN STUDIOS is an event in which artists and artisans open their studios to the public. Many of the artists taking part allow the public to access their studios, which are normally their own private workspaces. An OPEN STUDIOS event can offer an unusual insight into the places and how artists work. Some artists and artisans open their studios, while others display their work in communal venues (Hubs) all across the town. All the Ateljee/Studios/Hubs will be located in Melkbosstrand, Van Riebeekstrand, and Duynefontein. Therefore, the OPEN STUDIOS event requires participants to be present on both days of the Open Studio weekend in September. It's an interactive event, not a gallery.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please ensure you provide the correct names and social media links; this information will be shared on digital platforms and printed media for the event (if your application is successful).

1. Indicate your artist name, which is the title that you use to market yourself as an artist. If your application is accepted, this name will be used to promote your art on digital platforms and printed media.

2. You do not have to live in Melkbosstrand to apply. Artists from the surrounding areas (from Table View to Philadelphia to Darling and other areas) are welcome to apply; however, local artists may receive preference. 

3. If you live in the area and have friends or family in Melkbosstrand who can host your work for the Open Studios weekend, it would be appreciated.

4. Nature of the art accepted: We will consider any form of art, subject to space requirements.

5. Melkbos Ateljee Open Studios is a family-friendly event; no violent, sexual, insulting, or distressing artwork will be allowed.

6. Your art or craft must be handcrafted by you or your team. We do not accept AI art or mass-produced items. 

7. We strongly urge you to provide your social media links so that we may tag and promote you as an artist.

8. The OPEN STUDIOS event requires you to be present on both days of the Open Studio weekend in September. It's an interactive event, not a gallery.

9. If your application is accepted, you will be required to submit a photo and a short biography of the artist for the introduction on our social media channels. For now, please tell us briefly about yourself as an artist: Are you a professional artist? What motivated you to create? Why do you want to join Open Studios? 

10. When submitting your artwork online, make sure the files are no greater than 10MB. If you have any issues uploading files, please email them to info@melkbosateljee.co.za.

11. If you have already participated in the Melkbos Ateljee OPEN STUDIOS, submitting images is optional. However, you still have to submit the form. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Melkbos Ateljee is a group of art enthusiasts (including many attendees from previous years who were actively involved and contributed to the event's success). They maintain the right to select the participants for the OPEN STUDIO 2026 event.

2. Decisions will be made using the following criteria: the type and quality of art must be of the highest standard, be appropriate for Melkbosstrand, and add value to the Open Studios 2026 event.

3. Applications for participation are open to everyone and are not limited to the Melkbosstrand region. 

POPIA:

Melkbos Ateljee will not share contact information with other parties.

If your application is successful, you will be added to the Melkbos Ateljee 2026 WhatsApp group, from where all communication will begin.

If your application is successful, your artist name and social media links (as you have indicated on the form) will be used on our website, social media, and event map.