Hi All,
I had a look at some studio spaces available to artists today and am
seriously interested in leasing one to do my jewellery work in. The
rent is VERY affordable - I think the organisation that runs the
place has ongoing government funding to be able to provide
affordable studio spaces for artists.
On the plus side the building that houses the studios is in the
heart of the city (close to suppliers etc), it is clean and well
maintained, security is good, it would be nice to work with other
artists as neighbours and the length of the lease is VERY negotiable
with the option to renew at the end.
On the negative side the main drawback I see is that there is no
running water in the studio itself - there is a shared sink at the
end of the hallway on each level. I am thinking I could quite
easily set up a camping type sink and fill the water bottles for it
from the communal taps every couple of days - or whenever it may be
necessary.
The room is quite small but definately big enough for the little
equipment that I’ve collected so far. There are larger rooms in the
building (none of which are currently available) that I could put my
name down for to move into sometime down the track if I felt that
way inclined. There are a couple of power outlets and the room has
a timber floor, white painted wall with high ceilings and one large
high window. I forgot to check whether you’re allowed to hammer
nails into the wall and bolt things to the floor (thinking
workbench) but I’m sure there’d be some flexibility there.
I’m just looking for somewhere to get a start, where I can spend
time doing my art/jewellery work when I don’t have paid work on. I
feel very much inclined to take this studio space as I have really
missed the company of other artists since leaving art college and
also because I’ve looked for a long time and this is the only place
like it in my city and really the best I can get for the rent they
are asking - which is really about as much as I can afford anyway.
The reason for this post is because I want to make sure I am making
a level-headed decision if I decide to sign a contract for the
studio. I know that I can’t possibly have thought of everything as
this is my first time doing this and I am hoping those with studios
of their own might be able to advise me about pitfalls, questions I
should ask… and especially, how well you think I would cope having
only a camping water/tap setup.
Thanks,
Tina D=