Here’s a funny thing, as old Brightonian Max Miller would say. Here is a funny thing. I’ve been invited by this admirable new website to go on one or two of the 2005 Open House Artists’ Trails and deliver a few bons mots from the point of view of a visitor. Apparently, I’m The Outsider, which makes me sound like 70s telly show with a Tony Christie theme tune. Or maybe I’m Open House Virgin II.
When first approached, some time ago, I was asked to “write a piece about what you’re expecting to see – your preconceptions”. I fancifully wondered whether, as I snooped into people’s homes, I’d find a nice collection of Tom of Finland in a Kemptown closet. Or perhaps face confusion over an unmade bed.
Well, since then my education has already started. You see, the Brighton Festival may be famous, but until now I’ve only been vaguely aware of the Open House umbrella under which artists turn their homes into mini-galleries and allow strangers the run of the place. Even more shocking, the sheer scale of the enterprise has only become apparent as I’ve browsed the internet and discovered that there are thirteen artists’ groups representing hundreds of venues. And you’ve been at it for years. What a brave and dedicated lot you all must be.
It’s not as if there is, in fact, all that much publicity for your efforts. I see that there’s some controversy about whether the Open House Trails are part of the Festival or not (see Fred Pipes' article on the subject by clicking here). And not even brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk seems to have a simple, basic description of what Open House is all about and what treats may await a virgin visitor. Open House Online certainly seems to be filling a gap.

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