For more than two decades, North East Open Studios (NEOS) has been bringing artists, makers and audiences together. What began as a small open studios event has grown into a thriving creative community, with more than 250 artists and makers taking part in 2026 across an impressive range of disciplines. Vice chair, Alanda Calmus, told Trend what visitors can expect, with NEOS taking place from the 12th to the 20th of September.
“NEOS offers a rare opportunity where for nine days only, artists and makers across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus and the surrounding areas will open their studios to the public. Visitors will be able to travel from studio to studio, meeting artists and discovering original work. From printing to jewellery, painting and textiles, this is the opportunity to experience art like never before.” The beauty of a half-finished piece, tools and sketches – NEOS invites you to embrace the process rather than the end product. At the heart of NEOS is the belief that creativity thrives through community, connection and collaboration. The event brings artists and audiences together, creates opportunities for creatives to meet and share ideas, and invites visitors into the spaces where creativity happens. Whether that be a converted steading, village hall, or remote rural location – a creative road trip is ready and waiting.
There is a wealth of creative practice to soak in, from painting, ceramics and jewellery to textiles, photography, sculpture and much more. “It’s a chance to discover artists you may not have come across before, see where they work and find out a little more about the people and ideas behind what they make. Much of the work that makes NEOS possible happens behind the scenes. The organisation is run by a volunteer committee who work throughout the year to organise the event, produce the catalogue, support members with promotion and develop opportunities that help strengthen the creative community across the region.
As a volunteer-led organisation, NEOS is keen to hear from people who have an interest in supporting the arts and the creative community, whether or not they are artists themselves. The organisation is continuing to look at how it can develop and strengthen its future, including the transition towards becoming a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). This is an exciting stage in NEOS’s development, but one that needs new skills, ideas and people willing to get involved. If you have time, experience or simply a passion for supporting creativity in the North-east, there could be a place for you within the NEOS community.” To find out more and see this year’s programme, go to northeastopenstudios.co.uk
