Yorkshire Artspace throws open its studio doors for a November weekend

If you have ever wondered what goes on behind a studio door, Yorkshire Artspace has the perfect invitation. Its annual Open Studios weekend returns on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026, from 11am to 5pm, with more than 100 artists and makers taking part across its two Sheffield city centre buildings. Entry is free.

Founded in 1977, Yorkshire Artspace provides affordable studios for around 170 artists and makers, including silversmiths, sculptors, painters, jewellers, ceramicists, photographers, printmakers and textile artists. It describes this as one of the largest communities of professional artists in the country.

Its two homes are quite different. Persistence Works on Brown Street is described as the UK's first purpose-built studio complex, a landmark brutalist building with 55 studios designed for heat, fire and light-industrial processes. It has silversmithing workshops, a gas-fired kiln and a public gallery, and over the past two decades it has become a nationally recognised centre for silversmithing.

Exchange Place, in Castlegate, was originally a WH Smith department store and has been managed by Yorkshire Artspace since 2013. The grand art deco building houses 65 studios, the Testing Ground residency series and the Carousel Print Studio, with a focus on experimentation and community.

Exposed Magazine met some of the artists ahead of the weekend. Holly Clifford makes topographical jewellery and wall pieces, with wall maps cut from a single sheet of metal. Painter Lianne Mellor says she is "quite meticulous about all my brushes, paints and tools having a 'home' to live in."

For the artists, the weekend is a chance to connect. "It's such a good chance to see what inspires artists and get a sense of who they are," said Evelyn Albrow. Lianne Mellor added: "You don't need to be an expert or collector to appreciate things made by hand."

Visitors can explore the studios, see works in progress and buy directly from the people who made them, which makes it an ideal time to find something special ahead of Christmas. Exchange Place will also host False Autumn, an exhibition by James Clarkson opening on the same weekend.

Open Studios details, artist profiles and the full programme are on the Yorkshire Artspace website.