Art in the Open Returns to Wexford with International Artists and Nine Days of Creativity

Artists from around the world are set to descend on County Wexford as Art in the Open 2026 gets underway from 25th July to 3rd August, transforming some of the county's most picturesque locations into open-air studios.

The internationally renowned festival combines outdoor painting, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and social events, attracting both professional artists and beginners from across Ireland and overseas.

Speaking on Morning Mix, Event Manager Alma Hynes and festival founder Tony Robinson said the festival has grown from a simple idea of encouraging artists to paint outdoors into one of Europe's leading plein air painting events.

Throughout the nine-day festival, artists will travel to a variety of scenic locations including Wexford Town, Cahore, Inistioge, Hook Head, Slade, Artramon Estate, Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Passage East, capturing the beauty of the south east on canvas.

The programme also features workshops with internationally acclaimed artists, urban sketching sessions, live demonstrations, panel discussions and evening social events, giving participants the opportunity to develop their skills while connecting with fellow artists.

One of the highlights of the festival will be the Quick Draw Charity Event in The Bull Ring on 1st August, raising funds for Wexford Special Olympics. The festival concludes with the public exhibition and awards ceremony at Green Acres Gallery on 2nd August, showcasing artwork created throughout the week.

Art in the Open officially begins with a Welcome Reception and Orientation at Whites of Wexford on Saturday, 25th July, before artists head out across the county to paint some of Wexford's best-known landscapes and hidden gems.

Organisers say the festival is about much more than painting, celebrating creativity, community and the unique landscapes that continue to inspire artists from across the globe year after year.