ORGANISERS of the county’s biggest visual arts festival said times are changing for troubled artists hit hard by the country’s economic crisis.

About 100,000 visitors admired artwork at about 400 exhibitions across the county during Oxfordshire Artsweeks, which took place between May 2 and May 25.

Festival organiser Esther Lafferty said this year’s festival was one of the most successful in the event’s history and marked the start of better times for artists who have struggled to sell work in recent years.

The mother-of-four said: “It seems to have been a really bright and bubbly year, with lots of new people, visiting lots of new artists, lots of new talent.

“It’s obviously been a very difficult time for artists over the last few years. It’s nice to think there are people with a little bit more money in their pockets who can spend a little bit more on lovely things.”

Artists across Oxfordshire welcomed visitors into their homes and gardens while venues including schools, studios and galleries opened their doors for free during the 33rd arts festival.

Exhibitions also lined village trails and the county’s streets, filling Oxfordshire with a blaze of colour during the three-week celebration of art and culture.

Mrs Lafferty, of Faringdon, said the annual open studio event can be “life changing” for many artists taking centre stage during the festival.

The 41-year-old added: “I would say about one third of our regular artists have said that they had the confidence to become a professional artist or move into art more through a career because of Oxfordshire Artsweeks.”

Mrs Lafferty, who has been organising the festival for the past five years, said about 35 volunteers helped to plan this year’s festival.

She said plans for next year’s event, which will take place between May 7 and May 30, will begin this September and urged artists to start considering if they want to take part.

Mrs Lafferty said Oxfordshire Artsweeks was important for artists of all ages and with all levels of experience to have the opportunity to display their creative talents.

She added: “Sometimes I think people overlook Oxfordshire because London is so close but they shouldn’t.

“It’s a chance for people to see what’s going on in their own communities, and it’s also a chance for artists to share what they do.

“I used to enjoy Artsweeks as a punter so I’m thrilled to be involved with it.

“I think it’s such a wonderful community event.

“Everybody takes such pleasure in what they do and sharing what they do and that’s a lovely thing to be involved with. I feel very lucky.”