Tips for choosing the right artist studio/community
Most professional artist will have their own studio, often a space separate from where they live.
This could be in an old industrial building, garage or a similar space where they can work
undisturbed and be creative without having to worry about making a mess.
A great alternative to renting a space on your own is to become a member of an artist collective/community
and share the building, exhibition space and
responsibilities with other artists.
Below are some tips and advice to help you choose which artist
studio/community wold be most suitable for you and what questions to consider before joining.
Please note that these are guidelines only, as your choices will always be limited to where you live, studio availability,
how far you are willing to travel and specific requirements with regards to your artwork.
Location
Membership
Artist Promotion
Communal Studio Facilities
Studio Facilities
Location:
Is the studio close to galleries and art dealers?
Galleries are not always willing to travel far to see unknown artists, studio events and exhibitions.
Does the studio have easy access and parking facilities?
For any deliveries and transport requirements, customer & client visits and artists own parking.
Is the studio close to any bus, train or tube stations?
For artists and visitors who use public transport, this might be an advantage especially for studio events and exhibitions
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Membership:
Opportunity for sharing your studio space with other artist?
Some studios will require the artist to share a studio with other artists before they are allocated their own space.
Other communities will give the artist the opportunity to choose between sharing and having the space to their self.
(often depending on availability.)
Sharing can greatly cut costs to a limited financial budget,
however, having your own space can give you more freedom with regards to usage of space, decorating and exhibiting.
How does the studio select their members?
Studios who have a strict entry selection often does this to ensure
quality and that their members are committed and professional artists.
Are there any opportunities for being involved in the running of the studios?
Some studios will have a board of artists and professional members for any decisions regarding the studio.
What payment option does the studio offer?
Will you have to pay monthly, weekly or quarterly and are there are any hidden costs involved?
Vacating the studio and ending the membership.
How much notice must you give before vacating the studios and do you have to commit to a certain period of time?
Insurance?
Is your artwork insured while in the studios or are you required to buy your own insurance? Can members buy insurance through the studio?
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Artist Promotion:
Does the studio have its own gallery?
Some studios will have a gallery for exhibiting work by the studio artists,
and studio members are also often encouraged to apply for solo exhibitions and group shows.
Are there any external exhibitions arranged and promoted by the studio?
Studios which promotes artists works outside the studio and exhibit at art fairs and galleries
can be great for artists who wish to show their work to a larger public.
Does the studio arrange any Open Studio events?
This can be a good way of interacting with the other artists and show your work to the public.
Does the studio have any coordinators/curators?
It is always an advantage if there are professional arts people available to give artist advice,
arrange exhibitions and look after the running of the studios?
Does the studio have an up to date website?
The web is a great way for artists to promote themselves and you should check if the studio have a professional
website for keeping galleries and clients up to date with artists news and events.
Does the studio offer any financial and business advice?
This can be great for the beginning artist or anybody who is considering becoming a professional artist.
Is the studio registered arts and educational charity or a business?
A registered charity or non-profit organization can often be cheaper then a for-profit business.
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Communal Studio Facilities:
Telephone connection?
Are there any facilities for installing your own phone or fax line (as some artists spend a full working day in their studios)
Training/Seminars and Workshops?
Some studios will offer life drawing classes/printmaking workshops/sculpture classes/
darkroom facilities and other further training on their premises
Is there a kitchen or catering facility in the studios or nearby?
This is a bonus as it saves all the artists from buying individual microwaves and fridges in their studios.
Opportunity to meet the other artists
Does the studio have a common room or a space where the artists can meet up and get to know each other?
Does the studio arrange any social events for the artists?
Are there any Computer facilities and broadband available?
Most people will have a computer at home;
however some graphical software can be quite expensive to buy individually.
It can also be good to have the opportunity to check your email during the day.
Art Materials?
Some studios and workshops buy in large quantities of art materials which they offer to member artists for a discounted price.
Opening Hours?
Do you have 24 hours access to your space?
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Studio Facilities:
Does the studio have satisfying utility sinks and washing facilities?
Work can be messy and there should be sufficient washes and basins for cleaning oil paints and turps.
Is there sufficient lighting in the studio?
Large windows are always an advantage unless they are facing direct sunlight.
Studios with no windows or little daylight should have full spectrum lights installed.
Check if lighting/lamps/bulbs are provided or if you need to supply and install your own?
Heaters and fans
Is the studio properly isolated? If not you might find it inhabitable during cold winters and hot summers?
Is electricity and parking included in the bill or do you have to pay this separate?
This can add up to your monthly expenditure especially if the studio is cold in the winter.
Does the studio include central heating units or do you need to bring/buy your own heaters?
Fan heaters can be expensive if you pay for your own electricity.
Is the space is equipped with work benches, tables, chairs, and shelves for storage?
Furniture can be quite expensive if you have to buy them all yourself.
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It is often a good idea to visit an Open Studio events
and take a look at the studios and the available facilities.
This is a great opportunity to ask the existing artist members about their studio and if the enjoy working there.
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