From 4th to 27th May 2013, Oxfordshire artists and craftspeople will open their studios to the public for the county’s most important arts festival.

More than free 500 exhibitions and events across the whole of the county enable visitors to view spectacular art in a huge variety of different locations, from barns and halls in Cotswold villages, to city studios, galleries, open spaces, schools, homes and even a castle. Visiting our galleries will give you a sample of the vibrant works that were available to view and buy.

For three weeks, you will be able to visit open studios in towns and venues across Oxfordshire for free. The first week will focus on the city of Oxford, where nearly 200 art spaces in and around the city open their doors to the public. The second week of the festival is centred around beautiful South Oxfordshire, with exhibitions along the Thames from Faringdon to Henley and the Ridgeway from Wantage to Thame. The final week of Artweeks 2013 will take place across the North of the county where venues can be found nestled from Burford and Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds across to the historic market towns of Bicester and Banbury.

Artweeks is the opportunity for a wonderful day out: expect the unexpected, be inspired, diverted and delighted – and come home with a unique artwork of your own. You’ll be able to meet artists, talk about their work, watch demonstrations and maybe have a go yourself. Or simply feast your eyes on a huge range of creative activity, from painting, photography, textiles, sculpture and ceramics, to furniture, glass, mosaics, jewellery, digital art and much more. Established in 1981, Oxfordshire Artweeks is the country’s oldest and biggest open studio event. More information.

Search the Artweeks 2013 festival guide here or pick up a copy from April in libraries and information centres.