STUDIO FAQs
STUDIO BASICS
WHERE ARE THE STUDIOS?
The Interdisciplinary Studio is located within the same industrial estate as us, in Ramsgate, South East of the UK.
SPACER
The Interdisciplinary Studio
Unit 6 St Lawrence Ind Estate
Manston Road
Ramsgate, Kent
CT11 0QZ
WHAT KIND OF STUDIO IS IT?
We offer small light industrial spaces at ground level. The building is a light industrial workshop of a breeze block construction, lined internally with ply and without windows, but with skylights.
We have:
-2 x 18sqm lockable studios
and within a communal space
-3 x 9sqm open plan studios
-1 x 18sqm open plan studio
HOW CAN I JOIN YOUR STUDIO COMMUNITY?
We offer indefinite licences to use our studios, with the ability to give a month’s notice if you would like to leave. So far, we have had a low turnover of studio occupancy. Because of this, we have decided not to operate a waiting list.
When a studio becomes available, we advertise this on our website, through our digital newsletter and networks.
If you would like to apply for one of our spaces when they become available, please complete the application form and submit it with the following (you can attach them to the form through our website):
– a statement about your work
– 5 images of your current practice
– Your CV
HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS TAKE AND WHEN WILL I HEAR IF I’VE GOT A STUDIO?
We will advertise the studio for a month, with an application deadline. We will notify the applicants within the following two weeks of that deadline.
We then delete all applicant data. If you would like to keep up to date with all our news, please subscribe to our digital newsletter!
WHAT IS A ‘LICENCE TO OCCUPY’?
A Licence to Occupy is a personal agreement between us (property owner/Licensor) and you (the occupier/Licensee)
Under this licence, we will provide you with the non-exclusive possession of our studio space for a period of time, in exchange for our monthly fee (licence fee).
HOW LONG CAN I HIRE A STUDIO FOR?
We have no maximum limit to the hiring of our studios, but we do have a minimum use of 3 months.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF THE SITE?
Due to local planning restrictions, access to our site is limited to:
Mon-Fri: 0700 – 2300
Sat-Sun: 0900 – 2100
ARE THERE ANY ACCESSIBILITY RESTRICTIONS?
Our studios are single storey and on the ground level. There is parking onsite, although this can be limited due to the other businesses on our estate. It’s a first-come-first-served basis.
ARE THERE ANY UPFRONT COSTS?
Yes. We ask that you provide a security deposit equivalent to the monthly fee, and the first month’s payment.
DOES THE LICENCE FEE INCREASE?
Yes, our prices are subject to changes, although it took us 10 years to implement our first increase. We assess our prices annually and any increases will reflect any increased costs we are having to pay through providing the studios and inflation at its prevailing rate.
We notify everyone in advance of any changes to our prices.
CAN I COME AND VIEW THE SPACE BEFORE APPLYING?
Of course! Simply give us a call to arrange the best time.
WHAT’S THE STUDIO SECURITY LIKE?
Out of business hours, access is restricted by a site gate, for which you will have a key. The studios are locked and alarmed when no one is in the building and there is CCTV on the estate. Any further security measures you require will be up to you to provide.
STUDIO SERVICES
WHAT IS COVERED BY MY LICENCE FEE?
Your fee covers all charges relating to the property, including;
– The commercial rent of the property itself
– Business rates (we currently benefit from rate relief)
– Building insurance
– Electricity
– Water
– Basic maintenance costs which include the alarm and fire extinguisher maintenance
– Basic WiFi
– Basic refuse collection
– Basic studio management costs
(For more detailed information on our pricing, please visit the sustainability page).
WHAT’S NOT COVERED BY MY LICENCE FEE?
Your licence fee does not include;
– Use of our other facilities on site
– Contents insurance
– Access to equipment (although we are happy for things to be borrowed)
– SPACER staff time beyond studio provision
– Consumables (loo roll, soap, cleaning products, tea and coffee)
WHAT’S THE INTERNET SPEED?
Download speed: 8.9mbps
Upload speed: 0.8mbps
We are, however, looking to change to a sustainable provider so these are subject to change soon.
CAN I HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR WORKSHOP SPACE ON-SITE?
Although workshop access is not included in your licence fee, you are still able to use our facilities. Depending on your needs, you are welcome to hire space or other arrangements are possible.
WHAT ARE THE HEATING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE STUDIOS?
We do not provide heaters, but we might have some spare that you can borrow. Otherwise, it is your responsibility to heat your space. That said there are restrictions on what heaters you are allowed to use and at what setting.
STUDIO USAGE
I’M AWAY A LOT FOR MY PRACTICE, IS THERE A MINIMUM USAGE REQUIREMENT?
Yes; we ask that you use your studio space at least one day a week on average.
CAN I SHARE MY STUDIO WITH ANOTHER ARTIST?
This is negotiable – just ask.
ARE THERE ANY USAGE RESTRICTIONS? CAN I PLAY MUSIC, FOR EXAMPLE?
There are certain materials that we cannot allow in the studios, due to lack of extraction i.e. resins. However, we do have areas on-site you may use for resin work.
You can play music, so long as it’s not disruptive, otherwise we will ask you to wear headphones.
You can kit out your studio with doors, shelving, desks etc. so long as it’s returned to its original state when you finally vacate the space.
WHAT’S THE NOTICE PERIOD FOR VACATING THE STUDIO SPACE?
We ask that you give 1 months’ notice, to allow the necessary admin and clearing of space ready for the next person.
More details are provided in The Studio Handbook, with your licence.