Welcome to the application process for Spring Fling 2027. Below you will find the application form for next year’s event. If there is anything you’re stuck with, there are FAQs below and a full guidance document you can download by clicking, here. There is a recorded advice session here. You can also access the transcript.

Hello, Artist!

Spring Fling Open Studios is a unique opportunity to participate in one of the oldest and most prestigious open studio events in the UK. Every late May Bank Holiday weekend, visitors travel across the region to visit professional artists and makers. They meet the people behind the work, see where and how it is made, and discover towns, villages, coast and countryside along the way.

By participating you can: 

  • Share your work and creative process 

  • Meet new audiences and potential customers 

  • Connect with artists and makers across Dumfries & Galloway 

  • Be included in printed and online promotion if selected 

  • Benefit from coordinated marketing, signage and event support 

  • Have your work featured on Upland and Spring Fling websites and in campaigns  

  • Get professional event support 

Please use the form below to apply. You can save your answers as you go. Click the disk icon below the form and enter your email. We recommend you also copy the link. Use the Previous button rather than the back button on your browser to go back.

Apply to Spring Fling 2027

Silhouette of a person pitching a baseball, with a ball in motion, against an orange background.
The image features a stylized black and orange graphic design with a prominent orange swoosh or brushstroke element on the right side.

  • Applications open on Monday 21 September 2026 at 9:00am and they close on Monday 19 October 2026 at 12pm. Application results will be announced on Tuesday 27 October 2026

  • It costs £16 to make an application which is non-refundable and if you are accepted, the participation fee is £270 + £20 sign deposit.

  • Applicants normally apply and pay individually. A joint application may be permitted where two or more people operate one business and work exclusively under one trading or creative name. Each individual will need a separate Upland membership. 

  • The event mainly features artists and makers from Dumfries & Galloway. Artists outside the region may be eligible through a confirmed 2027 application route. Please check the Spring Fling Applicant and Participant and Guidance below.  

  • The main support we offer is through the Step-Up which has a participation fee of £170 + £20 Sign Deposit Step-Up provides a limited number of reduced-fee Spring Fling places for artists and makers for whom paying the full participation fee would present a significant financial barrier to taking part. We have a limited number of Step-Up places each year, so unfortunately, we may not be able to support everyone who applies. Further guidance is in the Spring Fling Applicant and Participant Guidance.  

  • Open the what3words website or app; what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location.  Tap the search bar, enter a street address or place name. Tap the square you need to see its 3-word address displayed at the top of the screen  

  • CREATE is a supported opportunity for a Dumfries & Galloway-based artist or maker developing experimental, installation, site-specific or site-responsive work that may not naturally fit a traditional open-studio format. If you are selected you received free entry and £750 towards installation and production costs 

  • Explain your circumstances in the application and contact Upland early. Upland may be able to help you find or share a suitable venue. 

  • It should be safe, welcoming and show how you work. Include tools, materials, work in progress or demonstrations where appropriate. 

  • We do not send feedback as standard but you may request feedback if you are unsuccessful. Please contact us at hello@weareuupland.com and please allow 4 weeks for feedback. 

  • Tell Upland in writing as soon as possible. Read Acceptance, Withdrawals and Refunds in the Spring Fling Applicant and Participant Guidance before accepting a place. 

  • Check the Applicant and Participant Guidance first. If you still need support, an accessibility adjustment or help with a technical problem, email hello@weareupland.com.

    There will also be a help session via Teams on Monday 5 October 2026 at 5.30pm which you can join here.

  • Route leaders help organize logistics, distribution and planning for their route, and are a key point of contact between artists and Upland. Find out more in the Applicant and Participant guide.

Need some help? Our Applicant Guide will walk you through the process. If you have questions, please get in touch via the contact page, or by emailing hello@weareupland.com

Download the Applicant Guide