COWAL Open Studios (COS), now fronted by newly appointed chair Hans Calvert, has launched its annual call for both new and returning artists and makers to take part in its 2026 programme of events.
Speaking as the membership drive opened, Hans said the collective has continued to grow steadily since its formation 16 years ago, reaching record numbers last year.
We are a network of artists and makers living in Cowal which, over the last 16 years, has grown to a membership of 57, including 21 new members in 2025, he explained.
It is now possibly the largest public-facing arts group on the west coast of Scotland, with members enthusiastically taking part in a number of exclusive exhibitions in Cowal and beyond.
Following what Hans described as a very successful year for the group, COS is now looking ahead to 2026 with ambitions to further expand its membership, welcoming practitioners from as wide a range of creative genres as possible. A new special membership category for Undiscovered Talent is also being introduced.
Hans added: Part of my role is to encourage new talent to believe in themselves and give them opportunities to shine through the mentoring support offered by Cowal Open Studios. Our approach is about empowering people through creativity, and we would be very proud to welcome new members alongside the abundance of talent already within the group.
It will remain my aim to encourage new members to join us and to take a philanthropic approach when deciding who is suitable to join, following evaluation by the committee.
The group’s exhibitions and showcasing opportunities are now being overseen by a newly formed management committee made up of 11 volunteer members. Together, the committee represents a broad range of interests and experience, working to promote the aspirations of COS and its members.
Our flagship event remains the ever-popular Cowal Open Studios weekend, which will take place from September 25 to 28, Hans said. Members will have the opportunity to exhibit their work either in their own studios or in shared venues across the peninsula, supported by a proactive PR, social media and advertising campaign.
In addition, our exhibition programme for the year is being developed, with a major exhibition planned for Dunoon Burgh Hall’s main gallery from September 5 to October 10, alongside other showcasing opportunities currently being arranged.
The COS membership campaign will be open throughout February, with full details and an application form available on the group’s website at www.cowalopenstudios.co.uk.
