Merton Arts Festival

Over two weekends, 15-16 and 23-23 September 2018, artists in the London borough of Merton will be opening their homes and studios to the public. Around seventy artists are taking part this year in over thirty venues – showing work of all kinds in their house or their studio, in a café, or even in the pub (three of them this year!). Look for the estate agent’s boards and balloons outside, and knock on the door – don’t be daunted! It’s an opportunity to see the creative activity that goes on behind closed doors in the borough.

A fold-out map pinpointing the artists' locations will help you make your own art journey around the borough from venue to venue – whether on foot, by bike, bus, tram, tube or train. Copies of the map are available from libraries in the borough, local art shops, pubs and cafes.

In addition, the Festival features group shows on the theme of ‘Taking Liberties.’ Local artists have interpreted the theme in a wide variety of ways, whether linking it to the centenary of votes for women, or picking up the borough’s connection with the textile printing of Willliam Morris and Liberty & Co.. These shows will run at Merton Arts Space (at the rear of Wimbledon Library, in Compton Road, SW19 7NB), and Holy Trinity Church, (234 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB).

The weekend before the Festival (Friday 7th and Saturday 8th) there’ll be banner-making and printmaking at the Sultan pub and at Merton Abbey Mills (SW19 2RD) – follow Made in Merton on Twitter (@madeinmerton) for more details. There will be workshops for those who want to try their hand at practical art or craft. And there’ll be a guided walk taking in studios near the Wandle.