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. There is always a wide range of events, and there is something for everyone.
Open Studios is part of the wider programme of Site Festival, allowing artists to explore, develop projects and open their work up to the public. You can find the most recent programmes in the Festival Archive menu, including the 2022 Festival Programme.
Open Studios celebrates the incredible diversity of creative talent that exists here in the valleys, supports artists making a living from their work and builds meaningful connections in the artistic community.
We feel lucky to have worked with new filmmakers and photographers who captured some of the artists and events in Site Festival.
Open Studios
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.
The word OPEN not only reflects the open studio door welcoming curious visitors to discover the wonderful world of the artists studio but also it reflects SVA’s OPENNESS to all artists of all backgrounds, ages, disciplines and experience. Open Studios is not selected and we welcome conversations with artists who may be held back in their practise.
2022 Site Festival Film
In this film, artists from 2022 Site Festival share their thoughts, their studios and their work; from established artists such as Chris Bingle and Jo Casling, to emerging artists such as Elena Ferro Kirby.
We've loved this reflection and are grateful for all the contributors to this film, and to the festival. It really summarises why we do what we do, and inspires us to keep going!
Site Festival 2022 in June was captured by Sam Judd; a brilliant videographer based at SVA.
SVA (Stroud Valleys Artspace)
A Cultural Hub In The Heart Of Stroud, Gloucestershire.
In John Street is the 7,000 sq ft town centre warehouse which hosts the gallery, project space, cafe/bar area and the SVA Artist Studios.
The Goods Shed is a Brunel designed industrial heritage building which provides a unique space for performances, exhibitions and film screenings.
John Street Gallery faces onto the street, where we hold our exhibitions and installations. Downstairs in the main building there is the project space and cafe/bar which we open on Fridays and Saturdays, and it hosts many events.
The rest of the building hosts 26 artists, as Stroud Valleys Artspace (SVA) provides space for professional artists and presents a year round artistic and educational programme.
How you can support SVA and Site Festival
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. We support artists and the community, and we would love to carry on doing this.
We’d be over the moon if you are in a position to make a small donation to help us keep bringing you our incredible, joyous, ambitious and diverse programme of live gigs, exhibitions and festivals to Stroud.
