2026 SCAA OPEN STUDIO TOUR – SURVEY FEEDBACK
Let me begin by saying that, having never organized an Open Studio Tour before, I think we did remarkably well for our first attempt. Like any new venture, there were lessons to be learned, and that is exactly why your feedback is so valuable.
I would also like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The results were very encouraging. With the exception of one participant, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Most of the suggestions received were very much in line with discussions we had already had during the planning process.
As with any event, our decisions were influenced by the budget available to us. We also made a conscious decision to keep participation fees affordable for our members.
The following suggestions were mentioned most frequently:
Lawn Signs
The most common suggestion was the need for more lawn signs. I completely agree. Increased visibility can only help attract more visitors and improve awareness of the event.
Brochures
The brochures and map layout were very well received and appeared to work effectively for visitors. One suggestion recommended a simpler and less expensive print format without envelopes. While this is something we can review, it is worth noting that the high-gloss trifold brochures produced through Canva cost approximately one-third of what a local print shop quoted, and the envelopes were provided at no additional cost.
Advertising and Promotion
Several respondents suggested that additional advertising would be beneficial. Given our limited budget, we focused primarily on free promotional opportunities.
Our promotional efforts included:
• Coverage on FM 89.1 Events. (We also contacted and wrote to 610 CKTB, but they did not respond)
• Two promotions through the City of St. Catharines Culture Ink newsletter
• Distribution of posters and brochures throughout St. Catharines, including popular arts and cultural locations such as Mahtay Café
• 200 full-colour trifold brochures supplied to participating artists
• An additional 100 black and white brochures were printed and distributed by Chandi at members' meetings
• SCAA also promoted the event on our website and Facebook page
• Some participating artists also used their own Facebook pages to promote the event and their specific venues. This best practice should be encouraged for all participating artists.
While there is always room for greater exposure, we were pleased with the level of attendance achieved through these efforts. During the visit by Chandi to all nine venues and all 19 participating artists, he noticed a higher attendance at the venue, which used its own Facebook pages to promote the event.
• As a foundation to create a greater awareness about SCAA and the 2027 Open Studio Tour, SCAA covered the event with photographs from all nine venues on the SCAA Facebook page and website. I will also make a video of all of our 2026 events using video clips recorded by Chandi and me.
Communication and Organization
Overall satisfaction with communication and organization was very high. Most respondents rated this category 10 out of 10, with several ratings between 6, 8 and 9, and one rating of 4.
For perspective, the Open Studio Tour was first announced on December 12, 2025, with an application deadline of January 27, 2026. Between December 2025 and May 2026, eight update emails were distributed to participants, including posters, brochures, and promotional materials for sharing through social media and personal networks.
Days and Hours
Several respondents suggested adjusting the event hours. The most frequently requested schedule was 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Another popular suggestion was to expand the Open Studio Tour into a two-day event, running on both Saturday and Sunday.
Recommendations for the 2027 SCAA Open Studio Tour
The following recommendations will be presented to the Board of Directors for discussion and approval:
• A minimum of three to four lawn signs for every participating location
• An increased quantity of trifold brochures
• Complimentary promotional posters for all participating artists
• Increase the participation fee to $ 40 for each artist
• Using the tour as an opportunity for the SCAA membership drive. Therefore, leaving SCAA membership application forms with all participating members
• Avoid using venues that generated bad publicity for the SCAA.
• The creation of an Open Studio Tour Assistant position to focus on marketing, promotion, sponsorships, and community outreach
Potential responsibilities would include:
• Liaising with radio stations, Culture Ink, Cogeco, local newspapers, and community organizations
• Expanding promotional opportunities throughout the city
• Seeking sponsorships from local businesses, banks, dealerships, and retailers
If approved by the Board, this volunteer position will be advertised to members later this year.
• Consideration of a two-day Open Studio Tour running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. I suggest May 29th and 30th, 2027 (Saturday & Sunday).
Finally, thank you again for your participation, support, and constructive feedback. The success of our first Open Studio Tour was the result of the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, artists, and supporters.
I look forward to sharing the Board's final decisions and plans for the 2027 Open Studio Tour in October 2026
MABO
P.S. We also received a few suggestions for improvements that would require a budget roughly equivalent to the GDP of a small country! Those may have to wait until 2028. 😁