Artists Aren't the Business Plan
Tick as you go, a selection of questions to ask before you sign or pay a deposit.
The Management
find out about how its ran and your contract...
Who actually has decision-making power here, and have they ever needed the things they're deciding about?
They actually have decision-making power here and have needed the things they're deciding about
Is this a lease or a licence agreement? What rights do you actually have either way?
I understand whether this is a lease or a licence agreement and what rights I have either way
How much can the price change, how often, and with how much notice?
I know how much the price can change, how often, and with how much notice
What exactly are the extra charges (facilities, community, maintenance) covering? Can they show you?
I know what the extra charges are covering and they can show me
Is there a written agreement, and have you actually seen it in full before paying anything?
There is a written agreement and I've seen it in full before paying anything
The Building
has it been created with artists in mind...
Is there reliable hot water for washing materials and equipment?
There is reliable hot water for washing materials and equipment
How is the space heated and cooled? Ask what it's like in January and August, not just today.
I know how the space is heated and cooled in January and August, not just today
Is there proper ventilation for fumes, dust, or solvents relevant to your practice?
There is proper ventilation for fumes, dust, or solvents relevant to my practice
Are the fire alarms and safety systems tested and maintained? How do you know?
The fire alarms and safety systems are tested and maintained
Are the toilets and shared facilities actually kept clean?
The toilets and shared facilities are actually kept clean
Is parking available, and enough of it, for artists, visitors, and classes?
Parking is available and enough of it is provided for artists, visitors, and classes
Access & Respect
Do they really understand what an artist needs
What happens if you need access outside the advertised hours?
I know what happens if I need access outside the advertised hours
Will anyone switch off power, heating, or lighting while you're still working?
No one will switch off power, heating, or lighting while I'm still working
Is your space and your belongings private, or does management go through things without asking?
My space and belongings are private and management does not go through things without asking
How are conflicts or complaints handled, and by whom?
I know how conflicts or complaints are handled and by whom
Community & Claims
are all the staff/ management inclusive and appropriately trained
If this place claims to be inclusive, SEND-aware, or mental-health-conscious, what have they actually built to back that up?
This place has actually built support for inclusivity, SEND awareness, or mental health
Any quiet space or flexibility for access needs
Quiet space or flexible access is available for those who need it
Events timed around artists, or around marketing?
Events are scheduled with artists' needs in mind
Real footfall, or just a promise of "exposure"?
I've asked for real data about footfall, not just promises
Notes
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