This document provides an overview of important considerations for artists interested in running their own artist-run space, including pros and cons, funding, legal issues, programming, and project management. Key steps are to decide the goals and type of space, find a suitable location, secure funding, organize exhibitions and events, and promote programming to attract audiences. While offering opportunities, an artist-run space also requires substantial time and organizational commitments to manage effectively on a long-term basis. Examples of existing artist-run spaces are given for inspiration.

1. Artist-run spaces

2. Everything an Artist or Craftsperson needs to Know
www.artquest.org.uk

3. Introduction
• Handouts contain a lot of information to
take away
• Talk with the rest of the group and use the
experience in the room
• Don’t be put off by the volume of
information

4. Important Questions
• Pro’s and Cons
• What do you want to get out it?
• What kind of space do you need?
• Do you find a space that fits your plans?
• Do you let the space dictate what you do?
• How temporary is temporary? (Are you
running a space or putting on a show?)

5. How you can use a space
• One off show
• Longer term gallery
• Site specific project
• Workshops
• Talks
• Screenings
• Library / reading room
• Production space
• Shop / retail
• Combination

6. Pro’s & Con’s
• Pro’s
- Allows you to take control
- Expands your networks
- Increases your profile
- Source of income (?)
- Opportunity to make
new work ?
- Opportunity to attract
funding ?
• Con’s
- Big Challenge
- Demands on your time
- Can cost money
- Expectations of shows
from friends

7. Step by step
• Decide what you want
• Find a space
• Get funding
• Put on your exhibition / project
• Get people in

8. Overview
• Project management
• Finding a space
• Legal issues
• Funding
• Publicity
• Programme
• Examples

9. Project management
• Organisational structures
– Unincorporated organisation
– Co-operative
– Limited company with a social purpose
– Community benefit society (BenComs)
– Community interest company (CIC)
– Charitable incorporated organisations (2011)
– Charity
• Overview at Business Link website

10. Project management
• Volunteers / interns
• Other artists / curators
• Exhibiting artists
• Local council support
• Plan in advance and be organised
• Publicity and marketing as part of planning

11. Finding a space
• Popupspace
• Creative Space Agency
• Councils and local authorities
• Land Registry
• Association of Town Centre Management
• Property developers
• Camelot
• Neighbourhood associations

12. Finding a space
• Make a case:
– Attract people to the area, good for other local
businesses that landlord might have a stake
in
– Maintain town centres and high streets facing
multiple recession closures
– Not liable for insurance on activities taking
place – you are!
– Department for Communities and Local
Government advice pack – under review

13. Legal issues
• Contracts with artists
• Lease / License
• Copyright
• Insurance and public liability
• Linked with organisational structure
– Accounts
– Companies House / Charity Commission

14. Funding
• Arts Council England Grants for the Arts –
still has money! But admin to be cut 50%
• Local authorities / councils – recent
funding cuts make this more difficult
• In kind support
• Space hire
• Opening night bar
• Your structure may limit earning potential

15. Publicity
• Email mailing lists – your own and others
• Press / media releases
• Invitation cards / letters
• Business cards
• Website – keep it updated
• Visibility – go to other events
• Data Protection Act

16. Programme
• Make sure this is something you are
interested in
• Can have an effect on types and amounts
of funding
• Equipment and installation
• Be realistic – what can you manage to do?

17. Making a one of show worth it
• Comments book.
• Keep contacts (artists,
sponsors/supporters)
• Document the show
• Run related events. Talks, screenings
• Target galleries/curators
• Use it to spark other ideas

18. Examples
• City Racing
• Transmission
• Transition Gallery
• 1000000mph
• CGP London (Café Gallery Projects)

19. Everything an Artist or Craftsperson needs to Know
www.artquest.org.uk