What is a studio? Recommendations for better studio facilities

 

This document was created by the UKK work group for studio facilities. Through our dialogue with the municipalities, we have experienced a lack of clarity about what a studio actually is and what concrete needs artists have in terms of working conditions. Therefore, in collaboration with UKK’s members, we have created a document that describes both what a studio should be as a minimum, but also what characterizes a good studio, and the special needs that artists across disciplines and various art forms may have.

A studio is:

  • A studio is at least 10 m2, preferably 20 m2 >
  • A studio has walls on which works/process can be hung
  • A studio has a table that you can leave with your work in-progress,tools, or personal items on.
  • A studio has internet
  • A studio has access to hot/cold running water, bathroom, and kitchenette/kitchen
  • A studio has heating

A good studio has:

  • Daylight and windows that can be opened
  • Private room or room with limited access
  • The possibility to work at all hours of the day
  • Dry and safe storage area
  • Long lease (min. 3 years) and termination (min. 3 months)
  • Professional communication with the landlord and quick handling of practical problems
  • Transparent finances in relation to joint expenses, insurance, etc.
  • A floor you can work with light industrial materials on (paints, stains, varnishes,etc.)
  • Colleagues you can talk to

Some artists need:

  • Separate room with a door that can be closed/locked
  • Extra space for messy/dirty processes
  • Large doors and a location on the ground floor, so that works/machines can be transported in and out
  • Skylights
  • Sound insulation
  • Ventilation/exhaust
  • To be able to screw/hang things on the walls
  • An industrial sink
  • Direct current for ceramic ovens or other heavy tools.
  • Spray booth
  • A common room where you can meet other artists and hold meetings
  • A common room that can be used to test larger works or to practice performances
  • Shared workshop/rough workplace
  • That the studio has an expanded, more flexible form: that it can not only be used as a workspace, but also as an exhibition space, for interdisciplinary practices, housing/residency, etc.
  • That oral and written communication is in English
  • Direct access and ramps to all areas of the studio space some artists, due to disabilities, have studio space in their own home, they may therefore need access to use the resources (e.g. oven and press) elsewhere at a lower price

For questions or suggestions regarding this document please write info@ukk.community