Over ten days in October, 103 Noosa Open Studios’ artists across the region, Coast to Hinterland, had around 16,000 visitations.
Even being an annual event for almost a decade, Noosa Open Studios experiences renewal and novelties every year. In 2023 28 new artists showed their studios for the first time, together with 75 previous artists exhibiting their latest artwork. Moreover, 33 per cent of the visitors were attending the event for the first time.
Our local and regional community had again demonstrated a strong engagement to the event. Most of our visitors came from Noosa Shire (42 per cent), Sunshine Coast (30 per cent), and Brisbane (15 per cent). There has been a growth in the proportion of interstate visitors, from 4 per cent in 2022 to 8 per cent in 2023. Two per cent of visitors were from overseas.
The beautifully curated Art Trail Guide was mentioned by visitors as the most important promotion piece of the event and a rich source of information to plan their journeys. Our website and social media had also a strong role in promoting the event, together with the local newspapers and magazines who have been continuously supporting this cultural tourism initiative.
The event generated a total of $450,000 in art sales across all studios, with 71 per cent of the visitors taking some artwork home, and 51 per cent stating they would purchase art from Noosa Open Studios artists in the future. Thirty eight per cent of the artists got commissions during the event. The event has also activated the local economy. Twenty seven per cent of the visitors stayed in hotels in Noosa, and 16 per cent had day-trips.
Seventy six per cent of the visitors have combined their road trips to art studios with visits to cafes, restaurants, and other local entertainment venues across the region. It is estimated that Noosa Open Studios catalysed over $1 million in expenditure across local businesses.
Participating artists highly rated the event in 2023, with the majority stating they would participate again in 2024. One hundred per cent of the visitors would recommend NOS for others to attend. Both artists and visitors provided great feedback and suggestions for future improvement.
Noosa Open Studios is very thankful to the participating artists, partners and sponsors, members and volunteers, the local and regional community, and visitors from further away. You all make this event possible!
A new committee to plan and manage the next event in 2024 is being formed.
Book the dates in your calendar for the next event: Noosa Open Studios from 4 to 13 October 2024!
