I was pleased to see your editorial (May 2) covering the start of the annual Artists’ Open Houses (AOH) event.

I am an artist involved in this and trail rep for Ditchling.

However, I am not sure your assertion that “it is not just a treat for art lovers, it is also a money-spinner for many of the city’s talented sculptors, painters...” correctly conveys the ethos of this exciting and wonderful event.

For instance, the venues each pay almost £300 to the Brighton AOH limited company to take part and be included in their excellent and widely distributed publicity; a major, year-long business that can only operate with directors and staff who are paid employees, not volunteers.

Not all of the smaller venues will do much more than cover their costs but, as your article mentions, provide a memorable experience for their visitors.

Opening your house/studio to receive hundreds of visitors each weekend during May is a huge commitment and takes over life.

Many move their furnishings out to make space for art, disrupting normal family life, but the reward of encouraging an interest in art is so refreshing and, in many cases, it is the only opportunity they have to exhibit and sell their work.

To offset their costs they form their own art collectives and work as a team.

On the financial side, visitors do not just get a treat, they are able to buy original work at well below gallery and high street prices – as much as perhaps 40% less.

Visitors also have the opportunity to meet the artists involved and discuss their work with them.

AOH brings great benefits to the surrounding communities – not just in Brighton and Hove (as the brochure cover implies) but Rottingdean, Woodingdean, Lewes, Newhaven and, as mentioned briefly in your article, Ditchling village, with 17 venues and a church exhibition of children’s art.

Hundreds of visitors to these communities are a welcome boost to small businesses, restaurants and pubs and it is therefore reassuring that some recognise this in the form of sponsorship.

We cannot guarantee to promote and put on such a successful event without their support.

Rachael Swift, secretary and treasurer of Art In Ditchling