FAQs - Artists
WHAT IS THE BS9
ARTS TRAIL?
It’s a FREE event which features the work of local artists in group and individual venues around the BS9 area. The next Trail will take place on 7th-8th June 2025.
WHAT ARE THE TERMS & CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP?
The membership fee is non refundable.
Artists are expected to be present throughout both days of the Trail.
All members should be prepared to play a role in the running of the trail.
HOW DO I FIND A VENUE?
You may want to open your own studio or home and, if you have space, to accommodate one or more other artists. Alternatively you will be offered a space at one of our venues, either in a house or group venue. Please make it clear on your application if you need help finding a venue.
HOW CAN I HELP?
We encourage all participants to be involved in many different ways such as distributing brochures, putting up banners and bunting outside venues, and publicising the event to friends and family via word of mouth or electronically to as many people as possible. Please contact the Chair via the Contact button.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST, WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
Membership costs £70 per artist per year, whether exhibiting alone or in a group. In group venues, artists will also be asked for a contribution towards hiring costs.
The membership fee covers the production costs of our full colour brochure, website design, advertising in prestigious city-wide and local magazines, coverage on local radio and TV where possible, third party public liability insurance, banners and posters. You have your own web page on the BS9 Arts website featuring four images of your choice with up to 100 words, plus the contact details you have approved. You are welcome to see the BS9 Arts accounts.
WHEN AND HOW DO I APPLY?
Thank you for your interest. Applications start in November for the following year's trail. If you would like to participate in the 2025 Arts trail, please click the 2025 Membership button on the HOME page, complete the form electronically and click SUBMIT. Complete the membership application with submission of the membership fee as instructed. If you have any difficulty with electronic transfer please contact the Treasurer:
WHO ORGANISES
BS9 ARTS?
The organisation of BS9 Arts is co-ordinated by a small voluntary Steering Group, who are generally all participating artists. An event of this size is complex and several months in the preparation. The Steering Group meets four or five times in the months prior to the Trail with individuals taking responsibility for specific tasks including finance, publicity, membership and so on. We are currently looking for volunteers to join this friendly group to enable the Trail to continue and to run effectively.
ELIGIBILITY
Any artist can apply and there is no prior assessment of your work. However we do require the work to have been made by the artist applying for membership.
HOW MANY ARTISTS CAN PARTICIPATE?
Generally there are around 80 artists exhibiting in 12 to 15 venues. Should the need arise, we have a waiting list, if we reach the point when we are full.
HOW DOES THE COMMITTEE COMMUNICATE WITH ARTISTS?
There are 2 or 3 meetings during the year which members are expected to attend if possible. Members are invited to meet each other, to hear about the latest news relating to publicity, finances, community links etc, and to ask any questions. In addition members will be sent occasional emails relating to the Trail. Meetings take place at The Eastfield pub at 219 Henleaze Road.
FAQs - Visitors
WHAT IS THE BS9 ARTS TRAIL?
It’s a FREE event which features the work of local artists in group and individual venues around the BS9 area. The next Trail will take place on 8th-9th June 2024.
GETTING THERE
Parking is available near all the venues and public car parks are shown on the map.
There are excellent public transport links to the BS9 area and if you are coming from outside Bristol, BS9 is only a short distance from the M4 and M5 motorways.
WHAT’S ON SHOW?
Every aspect of the creative arts will be on show: ceramics, painting, jewellery, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, mosaics and more. The artists will be on hand to talk about their work and answer any questions you may have. There is no pressure to buy, but if you are tempted, you will find the prices modest, as purchasing directly from the artists means there is no commission. Many artists also sell cards. Payment can be by either cash or cheque. There are convenient cash points in Westbury Village, at Waitrose, on Henleaze Road and on Stoke Lane. However some artists now do have card readers.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS
OF THE WORK ON DISPLAY?
If you would like to take a photograph, please check first with the artist concerned.
WHERE ARE THE VENUES?
To help plan your visit there is a map on this website and, from April, a free brochure is available with a map locating all the venues. You'll find it in local libraries, cafés, shops and galleries. On the day, all venues will be easy to spot: just look out for our colourful bunting and signage with the BS9 Arts logo. The brochure also has information about wheelchair access, refreshments and toilet facilities.