A HUGE arts festival is to be sponsored by the University of Huddersfield.

The School of Art, Design and Architecture has confirmed it will be the main sponsor of this year’s Huddersfield Open Studio Trail (Host).

Over the last two weekends of September, members of the public are invited to visit artists’ studios in and around Huddersfield.

The Host event, now into its fifth year, trail invites people to experience a variety of work in a range of different atmospheres with artists from around the region offering visitors an insight into their world.

“I’m delighted that the University of Huddersfield’s School of Art, Design and Architecture is sponsoring this major artistic event in our region,” said Emma Hunt, Dean of Art, Design and Architecture at the University.

“The Kirklees district has exceptional creative talent in many disciplines including jewellery, textiles, painting, sculpture, ceramics and furniture. Host provides a rare and exciting opportunity to explore artists’ private studios.”

“The staff, students and our alumni will welcome and participate in this year’s event, the range and variety that stems from Host is testament to the creative infrastructure of Huddersfield. The university has a long tradition of supporting arts and culture in the town and region, and indeed this year has continued with high investment on the university campus with the new Creative Arts building that will welcome students from September”

Opening parties will be held at each venue on September 19, and Open Studios continue Saturday and Sunday September 20 and 21 and September 27 and 28 from 11am-6pm.

The Lawrence Batley Theatre is home to the “Taste of Host” exhibition for 2008 with a range of Host artists that will be exhibiting in venues and studios across both Host weekends. The exhibition will run from Monday, August 4 until Sunday, September 28.

“Studios are often personal and private spaces, each one unique and individual, directly reflecting the character and persona of the artist,” explains Dionne Swift, one of the artists who organised this year’s trail. “Some will be chaotic, others havens of calm.”