Four days. Two weekends. 66 open studios. 220 artists.
Every year, BEAT, the Borough of Ealing’s Art Trail, takes over with exhibitions across the borough over two weekends on 6-7th and 13-14th September. There is free entry to all studios where you can meet the artists, see their work and discover all sorts of artworks. Artists will be happy to chat and some will provide demonstrations.
BEAT is organised and administered by a committee of eight volunteers, we found out more from one of them, Mark Jorgensen, who is mostly involved in establishing venues, seeking sponorship and the distribution of brochures.
Tell us about BEAT
2025 is BEAT’s 9th year. It was created when a group of local artists identified that a large community like Ealing deserved a Festival to celebrate the wealth of artistic talent that they believed to exist within the Borough.
I think that even that founding group would be surprised (but of course delighted!) that the BEAT event has now grown to regularly attract over 220 artists in 60-odd locations across Ealing.
Why BEAT?
However talented they might be, not every artist can find an opportunity to show their work in a local setting. Not everyone can get a place in a commercial gallery!
BEAT provides that opportunity with exhibition venues across the whole borough ranging from single artists in their own homes or studios to larger public buildings that might house up to 18 artists. This network of venues is all backed up by BEAT’s website, brochure, promotional material such as banners and posters and our social media advertising.
What can we expect?
BEAT showcases all kinds of artwork including painting, drawing, print, ceramics, textiles, mosaic, jewellery, glass, sculpture and metalwork. Every resident will be able, we hope, to find something that appeals to them all within a short journey by foot, public transport or car. Entry is totally free to every venue and all visitors are welcome to buy a piece of artwork or simply browse.
BEAT is free to visit and every brochure contains maps showing the location of each venue so that the Ealing community can make the most of (and hopefully be proud of) all the creativity put on display by their fellow residents.
Just as importantly, participation in BEAT is open to everyone. We have no selection process and the only stipulation is that participants must live, work or study in Ealing borough.
Highlights for this year?
I believe that every piece of artwork on display is a highlight in itself but I would like to mention a special exhibition that BEAT is organising at the Brentham Club W5 1NP between 24th August and 14th September.
80 artists who are taking part in the main BEAT weekends have also found time to create an additional piece to a standard size that will be available to buy at a fixed price of £50, with all proceeds going to CRISIS, the UK’s leading homelessness charity.
We hope that BEAT visitors will snap up these unique pieces and, along the way, contribute to a charity whose work has become increasingly important.
Thanks to Mark for his time and words.
Plan your visit by exploring all the artists and venues in their digital brochure.