Artmaps history is short but full of promise. It began as a simple idea which has developed into a rather complicated structure and is, possibly, the journey of a lifetime. We travel in hope...

In 2009 our first artmap was published. The Cornwall edition, an experiment, displaying an eclectic range of works and by and large well received. 20,000 copies were printed and distributed throughout Cornwall in time for Easter visitors. Many visitors, we are told by gallery owners, ‘arrived clutching their art maps’. Some artists enjoyed success, measured in actual sales, some did not. In fairness, we accept that not all artists and galleries were successful. How much can be measured as a reflection of the artmaps we are not sure. However, all in all it was a valuable experience and lessons were learned. So far, so good.

The 2010 Cornwall artmap was our second attempt at creating a beautiful ‘picture guide’. It was more successful than the first. More artists were included, both repeat and new, some very successful, some not. From this second edition we learned more lessons for future artmaps. In particular, the need to distribute more widely and to make sure that all those who wanted to do so were pinpointed on a larger contextual map. Perfection is our goal but it does take a little time! Here is what just one of our artists had to say.

The third, 2011 Cornwall artmap was very successful. Lots of great images, powerful design and printed on heavy, tactile paper. Most of the artists displayed on it have re-booked for 2012. Distribution was wider with the help of ARC, who now include our artmaps in their display stands throughout the county. This website is designed to complement the artmaps and has added to the marketing capability of all the artists who appear on them. It receives many thousands of visits and many more thousands of ‘clicks’. We are confident that this dual approach, printed and web-based, provides a complete marketing tool for artists and a great gallery experience for our art-loving public.

Our 2012 Artmap was published and described as... stunning! Please don't just take my word for this!

Already I've had five people come to me and purchase as a direct result of them obtaining an Artmap." Jon Tremaine

On one side is a powerful and complex poster of images with a location map for those artists who wish to be found. On the other side ‘detail’ images, contact and other information in alphabetical order about each artist, artgroup and gallery displayed. In addition we have listed artist's websites and exhibition details. This goes some way to showcase the excellence and diversity of Cornwall’s artistic talent. We hope you will collect an Artmap locally, download the version of your choice from the Download page or take time to enjoy browsing the many galleries on artmaps.co.uk The future is looking good.

In August we will begin preparing next year's Cornwall Artmap so please let us know if you would like to be included on it. Also, we are updating our website to include participating artists's exhibition details. In this way we continue to improve and build on previous artmaps and this complementary website. Watch this space!

Although we reserve the right to select the artworks shown on our artmaps or website we are delighted to display the widest range of images. Indeed, the variety of styles and subject matter are advantageous in creating interesting and successful artmaps. Not only this, we wish to do the best we can for the artists, galleries or artgroups that in turn support us. We look forward to next year with confidence and would like to thank you for your interest.

Artmaps are published by Victor Rogers at the address below. Victor has an BA Hons in Modern European History and has worked for many years in printing and publishing. If you would like to know more about Artmaps please contact us. We will be pleased to help.

ARTMAPS Westcountry, Mullion, Helston, Cornwall TR12 7HQ T. 01326 241341 F. 01326 242455




To view or download an example artmap please visit our Artmaps page.

To be included on an Artmap or have a gallery of your own please visit the Artist Area page for details.