Last year we commissioned a London-based art lover who had never visited the Brighton Festival before – known on these pages as ‘the Outsider’ - to write a series of articles based on his initial impressions and he made the following observations:

‘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 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.’

There is no definition available of what an Open House is, no instructions of how to one sets about running one and no guidelines or helpful tips on the nuts and bolts of having artists exhibiting in your home. That’s what this series of articles will attempt to clarify.

I can already hear several howls of protest from Open House owners about this. Some feel the whole process should be organic; some feel that attempting to define how it works will constitute a ‘rulebook’ leading all Open Houses to be the same. This is nonsense.

The first and greatest rule about Open Houses is that, as the owner, you can set them up and run them how you like. If you want to turn your house into a Gallery, do so. Alternatively, if you want to make it feel like a Moroccan market bazaar, then go for it but remember, it will be hard work, even if everything runs smoothly. Bearing that in mind you should try your best to make it fun and make it enjoyable, both for you, any artists you invite to exhibit with you and – especially- your visitors. After all, there’s not much point inviting people into your homes and not showing them a good time, is there?

If you think there is then please don’t invite me round for dinner and a cocktail.