Welcome to Art in the Open 2024, Europe’s largest plein air painting festival.
South East Plein Air and the festival organising committee sincerely hope you have a pleasurable and successful experience, renew acquaintances and make new friends, develop your craft while enjoying your stay in Wexford painting and two further days for the AITO exhibition and other activities. Participants do not have to attend all Paint Outs.
The public is encouraged to take an interest in the event, to be curious but also to respect the needs of artists on the course of their work. Be sure to hand an invitation to the festival exhibition to any interested onlookers so they can see your finished painting. There are several invitations in your pack and more available, if required. Please don’t leave them there – hand them out!
Art in the Open 2024 – Terms and Conditions
Registration
All participating artists must have registered online and paid the registration fee. All must be at least 18 years of age. On arrival, they will receive a welcome pack and personalised lanyard to be worn while participating in Paint Out days, workshops and the Quick Draw competition. Registering for the festival or any of its components means that you accept that the organizers and their agents can take photographs and video of you and your work for the purpose of promoting the festival online through websites and social media and in print media. Images will not be used on any merchandise or sold for profit without prior agreement with the artist in writing.
All paintings must be painted on location without the use of photographic references, within the areas indicated at the Information Point. Paintings not done in designated areas will not be considered for awards. Only stamped supports will qualify for the exhibition.
Information Point
Each day of the event, artists present their blank supports for stamping at the Information Point. In exceptional circumstances, paintings may be stamped on completion but only for relevant paint out, that is, the same day they are painted. The Information Point, manned by stewards, will be situated at each paint-out location. AITO stewards are there to help you. They will have some knowledge of the location and if you want to take a short break, you may leave your painting gear safely with them. At the Information Point you will also find hand-wipes, a trash-bag, a first-aid kit, a copy of our safety statement and emergency contact numbers.
Health & Safety
Before setting up to paint, please take time to assess the potential hazards that your location may present. Please ensure that you carry and site your equipment in a safe manner for yourself and others. Do not block footpaths or exits; leave room for others to pass without stepping onto the road. Alert a steward in the event of any accident and follow his/her instructions. Art in the Open Ireland Ltd. bears no responsibility for loss or injury to persons or property arising from participation in this event.
Exhibition
Up to 2 works per participant may be submitted for the exhibition. These must be accompanied by completed exhibition detail sheet provided. Workshop presenters will be allowed to submit up to four pieces of which two will be nominated to be eligible for consideration for awards. Submissions for the exhibition are juried by the organizers and no warranty is given that any of the submissions will be selected for showing in the exhibition. The organisers’ decision on this matter is final and is not subject to appeal.
Work submitted to the exhibition must be strung securely and ready to hang with one label attached to the back. Use flat hangers e.g. D-Rings, not screw eyes and the cord must not show above the frame. With the exception of stretched canvases, all work must be framed. Works must be signed. Maximum size: 800mm in either direction including frame;
All works must be available for purchase. Commission of 30% of sale price retained by Art in the Open Ltd. Unsold work must be collected on close of exhibition, except by prior arrangement, in writing with the organizing committee. Otherwise, works unsold and uncollected at the end of the exhibition will be disposed of.
Awards
There are 10 prize awards -
A Mayoral award for overall ‘best painting’ of €1000, 3silver awards and 6 bronze awards. Only one award per artist may be made. In addition, there will be a People’s Choice Award which is voted for by visitors to the exhibition and an Artists' Choice award selected by participating artists.
Refund Policy
Refunds if eligible, are limited to fees paid to the festival organisers.
Festival Registration (Membership) fees are not refundable.
Workshops cancelled before 1st July will incur a 20% retention fee.
Workshops cancelled after 1st July will incur a 50% retention fee.
Plan B: What if it rains all day?
The spirit of Art in the Open is very much to be out on the streets in the fullest sense of en plein air. In the event of rain, you may make your own ad hoc arrangements to work under cover as best you can. Please check with the owner of a doorway or awning or indoor premises before you begin painting. If all else fails, you may resort to painting from a parked car.