Open Studio is a forum for artists from all backgrounds to work together on their own painting and drawing projects in a serious studio environment in the renovated Victorian artists’ studio at the Conservatoire, which is spacious and north-lit. Students also have access during this class to the specialist fine art reference library. The full day provides a platform for artists to have contact with other artists, encouraging discussion, constructive criticism and cross-fertilisation of ideas and theories. This has been shown to create a vibrant community of people making art, supporting each other and feeding off each other’s enthusiasm. Individual tutorials are given throughout the day and suggestions can be given by the tutor for projects, as well as advice and guidance on technical matters and the arranging of, for example, a still-life set up, using the Conservatoire’s array of objects and fabrics. Most participants attend for all ten weeks and for all three terms. Alternatively, due to the flexibility of hours and payment methods, students can also use the day less regularly or for short periods; for example to work on a specific project, perhaps related to another course being taken at the Conservatoire or elsewhere. Numerous students have attended this class for many years, finding it essential for the development of their practice, allowing time and space for ideas to form and a generous network in which to discuss and hypothesize.