One of ten studio spaces
The studio spaces have been set up for a number of reasons:
- When artists finish their formal studies they often miss the supportive, critical feedback from other artists
- Artists say that they are more motivated with their work when they are surrounded by others who are highly motivated and producing exciting work
- There is less feeling of remoteness and isolation when working in an environment that is secure, safe and monitored
- Artists are often unable to afford to build their own studio spaces that are air-conditioned and well ventilated
- Artists are often more productive and less distracted when they are away from their own place of residence
- To provide affordable accommodation to both emerging and established professional contemporary artists
- To support the development of the individual artist, their practice and contribution to the arts
- To improve the opportunities for artists within the local community
- To add to the vibrancy of the city by facilitating the exposure of high quality artists within the local and tourist community
- To expose the studio artists to other high profile Australian artists involved in the artist-in-residency program
- To promote the studio artists locally and nationally through The Art Vault and its website.
The studio spaces are open to people in the visual arts including artists and graphic designers. Initially the letting of studio spaces will be on a 6 month trial basis. After 6 months the success of the running of the studio spaces will be evaluated. On completion of this initial evaluation process studio spaces will be leased for 12 month periods. Studio space letting can be terminated at any time for unprofessional conduct, continuing unsafe work practice and for failure to work as part of a supportive team. It is envisaged that the tenants will form a collective and elect people to perform common tasks such as household responsibilities and for liaising with the Director.
The studio spaces will not be suitable for everyone - people who need certain types of specialist equipment and large spaces.
Benefits
of having a studio space
- Twenty-four hour access to a safe working environment
- Access to the gallery for showing and selling your work
- A lockable and air-conditioned new studio space
- Access to amenities such as toilets, kitchen, meeting and eating areas
- Access to internet, photocopying, printing and fax facilities
- A creative and supportive artistic environment where you are able to give and receive critical feedback
- Access to the artists in residence for your own professional development
- Access to a printmaking studio with etching and lithography presses
- Ability to earn an income through working in the gallery
- Inclusion on The Art Vault website and in guides
- An address for contact by prospective buyers
- Exposure through working in a prominent location and through people visiting the studio spaces
- Accessible by people with disabilities
- Size of the spaces provided
- Cost of purchasing the building
- Cost of repairs to the building
- Cost to owner - rates, insurances, electricity, maintenance, security system etc
- Cost of providing phone outlets, internet, eftpos, fax and photocopying facilities
- Cost of setting up a website, publishing brochures and advertising
- Cost associated with banking
- Fact that artists generally have low incomes
- Artist's ability to contribute to the profile of the gallery by providing work to be sold through the gallery which is both creative and of a high skill level
- Availability of spaces
- Willingness to actively participate in workshops run by artists in residence
- Artist's knowledge of art history and their willingness to learn about the work of other artists on show in The Art Vault
- Artist's professionalism and dedication to their work
- Artist's ability to work as part of a team and be supportive of other members
- Balance of art forms within the unit
- Mix of gender, age, career stage and experience
- Ability to work safely in the space provided
- Capacity of the person to pay a bond and rent in advance
- Willingness of the person to contribute to the smooth running of The Art Vault by giving time for one or more of the following: working in the gallery; assisting with the display and documentation of artworks; updating the internet site; or any other way that would be of mutual benefit to the advancement and development of The Art Vault.
- $60 - $70 per week (depending on size of space) plus a bond of $200
- Rent reduced by $10 a week if willing to work in the galleries 2 or 3 sessions a week (1 session = 4 hrs except for Sunday which is 3 hrs a session).
- Rent reduced by $20 a week if willing to work in the galleries 4 or 5 sessions per week
- Rent reduced $30 a week if willing to work in the galleries 6 or more sessions per week
- The cost of the
space will be offset by the Studio Artist's ability to sell work in
the gallery. For the sale of your own work on consignment to The Art
Vault you will receive 2/3rds of the selling price minus GST, any
framing costs for The Art Vault and tax if you do not have an ABN
number. If you sell the work of another artist then you will receive
5% of the sale. For instance if you are able to sell the work of
another artist for:
$50,000 you will receive $2,500;
$5,000 you will receive $250;
$500 you will receive $25. - Rent will be
waived for the Studio Artist if they undertake one of the following
two positions
a) cleaner
b) caretaker/ print technician
Access
and keys
There will be 24 hr access to the studio spaces by Studio Artists via a swipe keypad. All entrances are alarmed and monitored by remote TV and an external security system. The galleries and printmaking areas are on a separate system to the studio spaces. Visitors are welcome but Studio Artists will need to make the appropriate arrangements for their access to the building. Studio Artists will be responsible for their visitors while they are in the building and Studio Artists will need to escort their visitors both into and from the building - to ensure that the building is properly secured. If you plan on using common spaces such as the kitchen and meeting room with your visitors, please check that this does not interfere with other Studio Artists' arrangements.
Artists Promotion
All Studio Artists will be included on the website for The Art Vault. The Art Vault management team will endeavour to include works by Studio Artists in the Main Gallery throughout the year. Works by the Studio Artists will be used in promotional activities by The Art Vault.
Common
spaces
Common spaces for Studio Artists include the kitchen, meeting room, toilets, sinks in the corridors and the enclosed external areas on the ground and first floor. The cleanliness of common areas is the responsibility of each person. If you make a mess then you are responsible for cleaning it up. In consideration of other Studio Artists this should be done immediately after use. If you would like to use the meeting room with people other than fellow Studio Artists then it is recommended that a booking system apply.
Confidentiality
No individual at The Art Vault will divulge any sensitive information outside the premises. This includes personal or business information related to any individual working within the building.
Copyright
The artist will allow The Art Vault to photograph work produced by them for insurance purposes and for the promotion of their work for sale in the gallery and on the website. The Art Vault will obtain permission to use the artist’s work in any other form of media advertising or for the reproduction of their work on, for instance, postcards.
Damage
All
damage, loss or repair to the building or equipment needs to be reported
to the Director as soon as it is noticed. Artists will need to fill out an
incident report form and give it to the Director.
Dispute Resolution
If any dispute or grievance arises it is to be dealt with in the following manner:
- Any matter should be discussed calmly by the aggrieved with the individual responsible for the aggravation. Both people should openly listen to the opinion of the other.
- If not settled then the Director or another agreed representative should be present for further discussion.
- If the matter is not resolved, then it must be submitted to an agreed mediator for the purpose of conciliation and mediation.
- If unsuccessful the parties may agree to submit the dispute to arbitration and the decision must be accepted by the parties involved
Electricity
Studio Artists are not required to pay for gas or electricity at this stage. This may change if the gas and electricity bills are substantial. This will be looked at again after the first financial quarter.
Expenses
Expenses will only be reimbursed where there was prior authorization of the expenditure.
Gallery Loyalty
It is expected that Studio Artists will be loyal to The Art Vault. This means providing The art Vault with consistently high quality work on a regular basis to be sold through The Art Vault and its website. The Art Vault must be their primary responsibility and focus for the sale of their work in Mildura. If a Studio Artist wishes to hold an exhibition or sell their work outside The Art Vault in Mildura then they are required to state clearly on all promotional and informational material that they are an Art Vault artist. Studio Artists must inform the Director of The Art Vault if they are selling work in another venue other than The Art Vault in Mildura. Work must not be sold in other situations for a lesser amount than the amount that would have been charged at The Art Vault.
Noise
restriction
Studio Artists need to be considerate of their neighbours and co-tenants in relation to noise levels both day and night. Work which requires ongoing, considerable noise should be carried out off the premises. Unless your co-tenants enjoy your music it is recommended that you wear headphones or keep your door closed and the music at a low level.
OH&S
All Studio Artists are required to know where folders containing safety data sheets are kept and to read data safety sheets. All artists are required to take note and obey all OH&S signage within the building. If an accident occurs then an Accident Report Form must be completed and handed to the elected OH&S officer who will inform the Director.
Parking
There is limited all day secure parking under the building - approximately 3 or 4 spaces. It is recommended that the Studio Artists work out a roster system that is fair to everyone and based on times and frequency of studio access.
Printmaking
area
Studio Artists will have access to the printmaking facilities. All people who use the equipment will be required to satisfy the requirements on the use of the equipment and the protocol for the room. Initially, the facilities will be available during the day on a booking system. This is so that printers will have unhampered access to the equipment and so that the assistant is available to be with you if required. It is a requisite that the printmaking technician be notified by you when printing. This is for two reasons: safety and the preservation of expensive and sometimes idiosyncratic equipment.
Phone
There will be phones available in the corridor outside of the studio spaces. Artists will be able to receive outside calls but will not be able to use The Art Vault's phones to phone out unless it is a business call. Personal external phone calls will need to be made on a mobile phone.
Rubbish
disposal
No rubbish is to be left inside or outside the studios. Bins are located on the ground floor at the rear of the building. A measure of reasonable cleanliness is to be observed at all times for occupational health and safety reasons. Please be aware of the comfort of other studio tenants and regularly dispose of rubbish which may smell or be potentially hazardous. Artists must use discretion as the plumbing system is delicate. Artists must use chemicals that are environmentally friendly whenever possible. Dispose of material and liquid waste appropriately and do not use residential sinks for disposal of pollutants.
Safety
Artists will properly use all safety and protective clothing and equipment provided and strictly observe all instructions in relation to working safely.
Smoking
There is a no illegal drug and no smoking policy within the building.
Termination
The lease for the studio space can be terminated by the Director for any of the following:
- Theft
- Fraud
- Assault
- Unsafe use of the premises due to: intoxication by alcohol or drugs; the unsafe handling of equipment or chemicals; and/or the non removal of litter which may cause an accident or fire within the building
- Ongoing work practices which interfere significantly with other Studio Artists and their ability to work, excessive noise, visitors who are not adequately supervised by the Studio Artist, unwillingness to contribute to the general smooth functioning of the group
- Wilful damage to the building or property.
Vacating
Cleaner
Public areas:
- Clean all public toilets (4) daily
- Empty bins in the public areas daily
- Wash all hand basins and sinks in the public areas daily
- Check supplies of paper towel, toilet paper and cleaning agents daily
- Order new supplies for cleaning and public facilities as required
- Vacuum steps to front, right-hand side door every second day
- Dust furniture and window sills twice weekly
- Sweep common areas daily
- Wash common area floors once a week
- Check that the dishwasher has been put on once a day or as needed
- Check that artists are emptying all inside bins to the main outside bin each day
- Sweep and wash printmaking area floors weekly
- Sweep gallery floors daily and wash twice weekly
- Polish front door handles twice weekly with a soft cloth
Artists in residence unit (when a unit is vacated):
- Empty bins
- Clean stove and microwave
- Rearrange cupboards and drawers if necessary
- Change linen and towels in units
- Arrange the washing of linen and towels with the Director
- Clean fridge and pantry
- Wipe all surfaces clear of dust
- Clean glass in windows and bathroom
- Sweep tiled areas
- Wash tiles and shower areas
- Vacuum carpet areas and empty the vacuum cleaner
- Clean toilet
- Check the supply of dishwashing liquid, soap, toilet paper, wettexes, cleaning agents etc. Arrange for their replacement.
- Report any loss or damage to the Director
Duty Statement
Caretaker / Printmaking Technician / General Assistant
Caretaker:
- Check that the building is locked, alarmed and secured as required
- Check outside of building each morning and follow up if necessary
- Check the inside of the building for damage or security problems
- Arrange for tradesman to have access to the building as needed
- Follow up on maintenance needs
General Assistant:
- Arrange for the correct storing of artwork
- Complete condition reports for incoming and outgoing artwork and pass these reports onto the Director for filing and documentation on the computer
- Wrap artwork when sold
- Arrange delivery of artwork and update transport costs and details as required
- Assist with the hanging and removal of exhibitions
- Assist with exhibition openings
Printmaking technician:
- Liaise with workshop leaders regarding equipment needed, times etc
- Assist printers with their printing and editioning
- Ensure that the printmaking area is used according to OH & S requirements
- Ensure that people using the printmaking area have undergone adequate professional training
- Ensure that all people using the equipment have made a booking
- Audit stock and notify the Director when supplies are low
- Report any damage to equipment or stock to the Director
- Report any missing tools or equipment to the Director