Margaret River Region Open Studios gears up for September festival with launch party

Yallingup’s Swings & Roundabouts hosted the gala launch party for this year’s Margaret River Region Open Studios which is preparing to swing into action next month.

Scores of artists and their supporters attended the function last Thursday, August 8, with an official opening from Vasse MLA and long-time supporter Libby Mettam.

The Liberal Party leader told the crowd the annual fortnight-long event had become an important staple in the region’s event calendar.

“The challenge of being an artist and making creativity a commercial reality is a very tough gig,” she said.

“It’s something we all benefit from when it can be achieved.

“Apart from the tourism benefits we get from Margaret River Region Open Studios, as a community and as a society we benefit so much, and our artists are able to thrive.”

Exhibiting artists last year made about $2 million in sales from people coming through the door, with an estimated 145,000 studio visits.

Open Studios will throw the doors open again starting on September 7.