Discover the Art on Your Doorstep
BEAT returns this September for its 10th anniversary
There’s something rather lovely about September in Ealing. The summer holidays are winding down, routines are returning and, just when you think you know your neighbourhood inside out, BEAT comes along and gives you a reason to explore it all over again.
We absolutely LOVE the Borough of Ealing Art Trail. Every year, we make time to visit some of the exhibitions and studios dotted around the borough, and it never fails to surprise us just how much creativity is happening right on our doorstep.
This year is extra special as BEAT celebrates its 10th anniversary, having grown from a small idea among a group of local artists into one of West London’s most exciting annual art events. More than 200 artists across 68 venues will be taking part, creating five days of art, conversation and discovery across Ealing.
And the best thing? You never quite know what you’re going to find.
The trail takes you everywhere from private homes and artists’ studios to community centres, churches and public spaces, with work spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, textiles, photography, jewellery and plenty more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the people behind the work, see where they create and perhaps even find something you’d love to take home.
BEAT is also a brilliant way to explore parts of Ealing you might not normally visit. Pick an area, follow the map and see where the day takes you. Or choose a handful of artists whose work catches your eye and make your own mini art trail.
There’s a real community spirit to the event too. BEAT is organised by a volunteer committee of local artists and, this year, there will also be a special exhibition raising money for Ealing Foodbank.
Make a weekend of it
BEAT takes place over the first two weekends of September, with an additional evening opening for anyone who can’t make it during the day.
5–6 September: 11am–6pm
Wednesday 9 September: 6–9pm
12–13 September: 11am–6pm
It’s free, no booking is required and there really is something for everyone, whether you know your contemporary art from your ceramics or simply fancy discovering something new.
Our advice? Don’t try to do it all. Head to the BEAT website, browse the artists and venues, choose a few that catch your eye and make a plan. Then leave a little room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.
Because that’s what we love most about BEAT: you set out for one exhibition and quite often end up discovering something completely unexpected.
Find the full programme, artists, venues and maps at ealingbeat.org.uk and get ready to explore the incredible creativity happening right here in Ealing.
