Somerville Open Studios 2026 Submissions

FIVE FRAME FILMS

“Five Frame Films” is a way to learn or test your storytelling abilities.
Said another way, less is more and keep it simple

  • Submissions Due April 25th, 1 week before SOS

  • Up to 6 people will be chosen
    -Those selected will received a framed 8×10 of each image

  • Film only, no digital images

  • Email hello@lumentation.com with the subject “SOS 2026 Submission”

  • DON’T OVERTHINK SUBMITTING—if it’s your first or 100th submission, we want to see your work!

Guidelines For Submissions:

  • The story is in your hands, but it needs to be coherent

  • “The Shoes” is an example from 2025—don’t feel like this should direct the nature of your story or photograph, different stories and styles are desired

  • Think of each photo as the simplest sentence possible, using the changes from one photo to another to be part of the storytelling. An example for the photos below would be:

  • PHOTO 1: “A piece of paper says ‘Baby Shoes, For Free”

  • PHOTO 2: “A pair of baby shoes”

  • PHOTO 3: “A man looks at the shoes”

  • PHOTO 4: “The man is in a room alone”

  • PHOTO 5: “The paper now reads “Baby Shoes, For Free, Never Worn”

Example From 2025 SOS

“The Shoes”

SOMERVILLE OPEN STUDIOS 2026
Sat + Sun, May 2 + 3, 12–6 pm
• 400+ visual artists
• 100+ locations citywide
• Free entry + trolley

For the 27th year, Somerville Open Studios spotlights our diverse and steadfast community of visual artists, arts organizations, and cultural supporters.

Facing ever-mounting obstacles, we continue to resist—through fearless creation, subject matter exploration, and community solidarity. Join us in celebrating the enduring power of expression in over 120 locations citywide. Meet 431 visual artists in their inspiring Somerville studio spaces, where you’ll come face-to-face with locally produced pieces, behind-the-scenes insights, and vibrant creative energy.

Whether you’re discovering small studios, touring large collective spaces, or visiting our neighborhood exhibitions, all SOS events and locations are entirely free, inclusive, and open to everyone.

Enjoy bonus special events and exhibits before the big weekend: Artwear Fashion Show, First Look Exhibit, Volunteer Show, Inside-Out Gallery show, and several Locavore shows.

Check our website for full visual artist info, map locations, free trolley tracker, and more:  

somervilleopenstudios.org