Registration open for artists : Site Festival 2026
Artists, creators and makers are warmly invited to take part in Site Festival 2026. We are open to anyone in the Stroud District, or anyone who would like to come here.
There are many accessible ways to take part, discounted rates and bursaries. Register by 26th February 2026 at sitefestival.org.uk.
What is Site Festival?
Site Festival is an annual programme of artist-led projects; events, exhibitions, talks and directory of Open Studios in the Stroud district; established in 1997.
In June 2025, 81 artists opened their studio doors in 40 locations in the Stroud Valleys, plus over 250 artists participated in exhibitions and events.
“We set up Site Festival Open Studios in 1997 when we first moved into John Street Studios. For us it was really important that SVA was not just about the building but about the community of artists who lived out in five valleys working a way in their spare rooms, sheds and kitchen worktops as well as the more formal studio spaces.”
Who can take part?
Artists, creators and makers are warmly invited to take part in Site Festival 2026, in a variety of ways. “Our programme is open to anyone with an art practice in the Stroud District, or anyone who would like to base themselves here for Site Festival. We regularly collaborate with artists from surrounding areas such as Gloucester and Bristol, but have also had visiting artists from Barbados, Berlin and further.” “We find that visitors make specific visits to Stroud for our Open Studios weekends, keep the directories for years, and contact artists, businesses and collaborations long after the festival.”
There are a myriad of accessible ways to take part in the festival, plus discounted rates and a bursary for artists 30 and under.
Artists should register at sitefestival.org.uk before 26th February 2026.
Site Festival Programme
Each year the festival programme seeks to challenge boundaries, bring high calibre exhibitions and installations to Stroud, and raise awareness of the incredible diversity in the arts.
Through Open Studios and our wider festival programme, Site Festival offers opportunities to collaborate and connect with other artists, galleries, groups and organisations.
“We print and distribute around 13,000 copies of our annual directory across the South West and beyond, offering a wealth of publicity to local artists.”
Site Festival and SVA
SVA is filled to the brim with artistic activity throughout the year; providing cultural experiences and opportunities to enjoy contemporary art, experimental music and performance events.
“Site Festival is a large part of our artistic programme, where we support artists and the community through Open Studios and experimental events”.
“You’re welcome to say hello at one of our Friday morning Artist Hubs between 10am and 1pm at SVA, where you can also meet other artists and enjoy the cafe.”
Opportunity Link: https://www.sitefestival.org.uk/
w: https://www.sitefestival.org.uk/
insta: @sitefestival
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SiteFestival
Alt Image Text: Images showing an artist in a variety of studios, one outside by a hedge looking up, and two in messy art studios.
Image Credit: Image credits in filenames