What is the Co-op program?

 

The Co – Op program is designed for local artists to have a space in the ArtsCape gallery in which they can sell and display their work direct to the public. 

The Co-op program will consist of a limited amount of local artists that have been selected by our committee. This program allows these artists to display and sell within the building on a semi-permanent basis.

Local artists, diversity and quality of product/art, and the ability to gallery sit will be given application priority.

Potential Co-op Members will be required to submit a proposal before the cut-off date for that round.

Rounds will be open in January (for April start), April (for August start), and August (for January start).

To apply, please fill in the form HERE, or email artscapewynyard@gmail.com with your expression of interest and photos of your current practice.

***Guarantees for a successful proposal and extension on a contract cannot be given.

 

What is involved?

A first-time contract of 4 months is established and extended at the approval of the committee. Co-op members will be required to gallery sit for 2 days a month and incur a 10% commission on all sales. The times and dates of the gallery sitting will be negotiated at the time of artist being offered a space in the Co-op program.

The Gallery will curate the artist's collections and be maintained by the Co-op members. Co-op members are allowed, and actively encouraged, to use the kitchen space to complete artwork or use it as a working area while they are gallery-sitting

All Co-op members will need to attend an induction meeting and become paid ArtsCape members prior to starting their contract period. This will allow the co-op member to learn our pay system and the opening and closing of the premises securely. The Artscape membership will cover public liability insurance. All artists are responsible for their own damage and theft insurance.

Co-op Members process:

•   All applicants will complete an application that will be taken to the current committee for a selection process. Application rounds will occur every 4 months.

· Chosen applicants will be offered an initial four-month contract. Contracts can be reviewed and possibly extended every four months.

·       There will be a 10% commission on sales. If an artist cannot fill the gallery sitting, by themselves or by the Co-op member's arrangement, a requirement of a 40% commission will occur on artwork sold. Non gallery sitting artists will be at negation with Artscape and artists that can find sitters will be given priority.

·       Co-Op members will have access to Artscape WiFi, tea and coffee facilities and a working art space in which they are welcome to create while they are gallery sitting.

·       Co-op members will receive ongoing representation at the Artscape of their artwork during their contract period (subject to major exhibitions and requirements of artworks). This will include advertising on the website and facebook page.

·       Co-op members will be limited to a maximum number of artists for each round. The number of artists will be capped at 15 but this may be limited by the variety of mediums, locality and size of artists' works.

·        Co-op members who can gallery sit will be given program priority. Each member should fill the gallery sitting roster to complete a minimum of 2 days (min 4 hours per day) gallery sitting per month. Times and days can be negotiated with Co-Op members to find suitable situations for both parties.

·       Co-op members will be responsible for safely opening and closing the building, housekeeping, communications with visitors and handling sales of artworks during their sitting times.

·       Co-op members will be inducted and be able to use the payment system to handle sales and the regular operations of the building.

·       It is the responsibility of the co-op worker to fill any days they cannot attend sitting duties

·       Must have a current ArtsCape membership (for insurance purposes)

·       Display spaces will be curated by Artscape and at negation on the collective work size