CHECKLIST

February – March

  • Select an image for the NEOS book and website. It should be square and clear when printed at 4.5 x 4.5 cm (1080 x 1080 pixels). It should represent the type of work that visitors will see at your studio this year. Helpful hints can be found in Members Guide 1.
  • Write your artist’s statement (no more than 340 characters long) – see Members Guide 2.
  • Think about your opening times. We encourage all members to take a day or two off to tour other studios – it’s a great way to meet your fellow artists and makers!
  • If you don’t have a venue or if you can offer someone a venue, please contact co-ordinator@northeastopenstudios.co.uk.
  • Consider the potential impact of covid-19 on your plans. If your situation changes, please let us know as soon as possible and we will do our best to help.

March

  • Sign up online for NEOS from the 1st March. Closing dates are the 14th March for out of area applications, 21st March for new groups and 31st March for everyone else. Please read Members Guide 1 – 3.

April

  • Consider how you will promote your involvement in NEOS – plan ahead. Suggestions can be found in Members Guide 5 & 6.
  • Follow NEOS on social media – ‘love’ and share our posts. Create your own posts and tag NEOS (all year round):
    • Facebook: @NorthEastOpenStudios
    • Instagram: @neopenstudios
    • Twitter: @NEOS_uk

May

  • Proofread your entry in the NEOS book and NEOS map. You will receive an email when the draft is available.

June

  • Proofread your entry in the online map and on the NEOS website – double check all links lead to the right place. You will receive an email to remind you to do this.
  • Plan what you will need to display your work, e.g. frames, display stands etc. Bear in mind that picture-framers and other third-parties may be busy in the run up to NEOS.
  • Keep posting about NEOS on social media.

July

  • Check that you have adequate insurance in place for NEOS – see FAQ 12.
  • If you are going to get postcards etc printed for publicity, now is the time to think about it. NEOS logos and templates are available here.

August

  • Pick up NEOS books from your Pick Up Point. Distribute your allocation of NEOS books in your area. For more information on how and where to distribute them, see Members Guide 5.
  • Consider publicising your open studio in local newspapers or magazines (see Members Guide 5).
  • Consider creating a NEOS Trail for your local area. Find other local NEOS members through the Facebook Internal Forum.

September

  • Prepare your slips for the Visitor’s Survey. The survey provides really important feedback which we will all benefit from.
  • Put up your yellow signs to direct visitors to your studio.
  • Keep posting about NEOS on social media.
  • Take down your yellow signs promptly when NEOS is over.
  • Send the email addresses from your Visitor Survey slips to co-ordinator@northeastopenstudios.co.uk.

October

  • Put your feet up!
  • Respond to the Members Survey. Your answers will help us to improve NEOS for next year.

November

  • Attend the AGM and join the discussion on improvements for next year. Consider volunteering to help organise next year’s NEOS!