ABOUT ARTSPACE
STUDIOS
FIND THIS INFORMATION AT
WWW.COVENTRY-ARTSPACE.CO.UK
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
About this Pack
Thanks for your interest in becoming a resident artist. In this pack you will find information
about the studios and how to apply. We also have an associated Membership scheme for
artists that would like to join the waiting list or become part of our peer network; please see the
separate pack for more details.
Artspace is an approachable and experimental visual art organisation working to build on
Coventry’s developing reputation as a centre for visual art innovation and excellence. From our
intriguing heritage building in Coventry city centre we manage projects such as:
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Our Artistic Programme: providing a range of opportunities for artists to make and
present new work in the city, public events and volunteering
Visual Artist Studios and associated Members’ Scheme: affordable ‘messy’ spaces,
free test space, professional development and a local peer network for artists
Outreach and Education: connecting our programme and projects with people from all
walks of life in Coventry
Arts Development for Coventry City Council: services for artists and community
organisations, grants and strategic developmental projects for the arts in the city
Our studio holders and members are artists working across a range of media at different
career stages and they benefit in different ways depending on their needs, interests and ability
to commit.
We’ve just received Arts Council funding support for our artistic programme 2014-16 including
two site specific artist commissions in the city, launch of our Coventry Art Map, artists’ open,
public events and an artist symposium...So there’s never been a better time so consider taking
up a studio, or an associated Membership, which costs £20 per year.
If you’d like to know more about the the other things we do in more detail you can visit
www.coventry-artspace.co.uk (new website soon).
Otherwise to contact us/stay in touch:
Email [email protected]
www.facebook.com/CovArtspace
Tweet @CovArtspace.
If at any point you should require some assistance with this pack, or require a larger font
document, please contact:
Jackie Stevens
T: 024 7655 3533
E: [email protected]
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
About the Organisation
Artspace is one of Coventry’s leading visual arts organisations. We work with artists and
communities to explore our city’s ‘psycho-geographies’ and to think about its future as a centre
for artistic engagement.
Our artistic programme exists to create a catalyst for exchange between experienced artists
and local audiences and to jointly explore themes relevant to Coventry, creating new visual art
work for the city in the process.
Alongside this programme, we devise artist development opportunities and outreach projects
connecting us to neighbourhoods with the least cultural engagement.
We also provide Coventry City Council’s Arts Development Services, working with the Local
Authority to support artists and organisations and on developmental projects strengthening the
future arts offer in the city. More information about that service is here:
www.coventry.gov.uk/arts
The Artspace building houses 11 visual artist studios, creative community workspace
communal members’ areas used by over 8000 people every year.
Stay in touch:
www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
Tw: @CovArtspace
FB: CovArtspace
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
About the Current Artspace Studio Members
Studio members of Artspace are artists and makers across Coventry and beyond, often active
in working on their own practices as well as within communities and in institutions such as
schools, museums, theatres, galleries and hospitals.
Artists based in the studios right now are creating visual art works, site-specific, performance
based, digital and multi media work. Each member contributes individual skills to the Artspace
and share in ideals to spread good quality artwork to every crevice of Coventry and further
afield.
Current studio holders might also contribute time to the organisation in various forms; as
casual freelance workers, Artistic Steering Group members, outreach volunteers and general
supporters of the building and organisation.
Coventry Artspace was originally set up as a Cooperative in 1991, and the ethos is still
applicable in terms of how the artists share in resources and negotiate the building together.
New studio members are asked to consider how they might see themselves actively
contributing to the peer network of artists associated with Artspace as well as making the most
of an affordable studio space.
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
About the Building
Artspace’s visual artist studios range in size and height to accommodate a wide range of
practices and is unique in that it can offer additional space (at extra charge) for artists working
with large scale pieces, heavy and wet artwork such as metal and stone to more general
practice.
Our large workshop space (hired out for art classes, activities and for community arts activity)
is a large flexible space located on the ground floor with high ceilings and load bearing
capacity for short-term projects. We also have a derelict basement area (one time rehearsal
space for 2-Tone bands including the Specials) which we offer as a free test space.
We have a communal kitchen for the upstairs studios and a large (15 people) bright meeting
room for use by all studio holders and members. It contains a seating area and kitchenette
where artists can also access WiFi and artist publications.
The following is included in the Artspace studio fee:
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Dedicated studio cubicle in large, shared and securable space
24/7 access, security system, individual access
Access to communal kitchens and members area
WiFi throughout the building
Rates and bills
Additional bookable spaces (Discounted rates for all Artspace members)
Lighting and ventilation/spray booth
Kiln hire, basic ceramics facilities
Artspace membership benefits. Please see the membership pack for more details
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
About the Studios
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Plastered brickwork, white painted stud walls, wooden floors (at ground level the floors
are concrete)
Good natural light in majority of spaces, many of the spaces have large areas of window
Fluorescent lighting
Standard double electrical sockets
Additional storage available at additional cost
Drawer space provided where available
Costs and Details
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The monthly rent fee is payable by standing order. In addition there is a returnable
deposit of one month’s rent.
Studio holders will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement
Studio holders will be required to undertake a full security briefing before keys are
handed over. A full set of Artspace keys (for 24/7 access) will require a £20 deposit.
Studio holders are responsible for their own studio costs and are responsible for
adherence to all health and safety issues relating to their own practice.
All studio holders will be required to undertake a DBS check. Artspace will arrange for
this to take place. To see our Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy contact
Jackie Stevens using the details provided below.
Coventry Artspace has held a No Smoking policy throughout the building from July 1st
2007.
Each occupant will be expected to follow basic housekeeping rules regarding security and
safety in the building. These rules will be outlined in the agreement that all new studio holders
will be asked to sign.
NOTE: Coventry Artspace is based in an old building. Even with development works that took
place to improve the building in 2008, Artspace will remain in a state which ensures its
preservation for as long as possible. The original sash windows are drafty and the building can
get very cold during the winter months.
Coventry Artspace is always striving to make the building as accessible as possible. DDA
compliant facilities are available to the ground floor and reflect our entire service offer.
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
Floor Plans of Studios
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
About Studio Sizes and Costs:
Studio ID
From
Architects
drawings
Size in
Square Foot
Monthly rent
Including
VAT
Number of
Windows
Available
Y/N?
U1
U2
U3
U4
U5
U6
U7
50
100
100
100
100
100
100
£ 38
£66
£66
£66
£66
£66
£66
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Additional costs:
If studios are unavailable at time of print you will be added to the studio waiting list in return for
joining as a member at £20 per year.
We do not currently have an enforced turnover of studio space; however the studios do have a
fairly regular natural turnover. We can advise that under current conditions studio applicants
may wait for up to a year for a studio but can begin to benefit from the wider Artspace
membership offer whilst waiting for space.
The current waiting list has eight people in line for a studio but although this list is prioritised in
order of application, applicants are not always in a position to take up a studio when it
becomes available. Priority is then given to the next person in line and so on, so it makes
sense to add yourself to the waiting list and ensure that you are in line.
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
Coventry Artspace Studios Application Form
A few things we would like to know about you. (Please feel free to supply further pages in
response to any of the following questions). If you are completing this application on your
computer please complete all grey areas.
1 Your contact details
1.1 Name
1.2 Address
1.3 Phone Number
1.4 Email address
2 Your art practice
2.1 How would you define your practice?
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
2.2 How long have you been practising as an artist?
2.3 How much of your working week is spent on your arts practice?
2.4 Do you consider yourself a professional artist?
2.5 Are you self-employed?
2.6 How much of your income is currently generated through your practice?
2.7 How do you earn your income if neither of the above is applicable?
2.8 Have you received public funding for your work, if so from what source?
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
3 Coventry Artspace
The ethos of the Artspace Studios is to establish an exchange between artists. So for example
established artists may become mentors to new graduates whilst being able to realise a longterm project and those graduates in turn may offer support at our events. On the other hand
members might contribute to the building directly or help in the organisation of exhibitions. The
reciprocal nature of the environment will allow artists to create relationships whilst supporting
their development as and when they want or need it.
3.1 What professional development training or involvement have you had since leaving
college or deciding to be an artist?
3.2 Why would you like a studio at Artspace Studios?
3.3 Do you understand and would you commit to the ethos of Artspace Studios?
3.4 Are you prepared to agree to contribute at Monthly Members Meetings?
3.5 Are you prepared to engage in a review process?
3.6 Understanding the ethos of the building, are you prepared to offer something in
exchange?
3.7 What are you prepared to offer in exchange?
3.8 Where would you like to be as an artist in 12 Months?
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
3.9 Where would you like to be as an artist in 3yrs?
3.10 What issues most concern your professional development as an artist?
3.11 How would you like to see these issues dealt with?
3.13 Are you a member of any arts organisations, if so which?
3.14 Do you subscribe to or buy any art magazines, if so which?
3.15 Where did you find out about the studio spaces?
Please submit your answers to these questions along with a current artists CV and a
maximum of 10 images of your work on slide, photograph or print out to:
Coventry Artspace, 16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
(Enclose an SAE if you would like your visual material returned)
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
About Applying and Beyond
Coventry Artspace will aim to assess your application as soon as possible, but turnover is
generally 1 month, so that we can ensure a fair process. The Artspace staff team
overseen by the Director will view your application, and will arrange an informal meeting
for you to discuss your practice further and answer any questions that you have. Artspace
may also invite you to a members meeting in order to meet existing studio holders and
other members.
Should your application for studio space be unsuccessful for any reason, we do hope that
you would still be interested in becoming an associate Artspace member.
To find out more about what an Artspace membership could do for you, and information
about how to apply, please refer to the membership booklet then contact:
Jackie Stevens
Coventry Artspace
16 Lower Holyhead Road
Coventry
CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533
E: [email protected]
Web: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk
Artspace is kindly supported by Coventry City Council, Arts Council England West Midlands,
The Alan Edwards Higgs Trust and Deeley Group of Companies.
16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry, CV1 3AU
T: 024 7655 3533 E: [email protected]
W: www.coventry-artspace.co.uk