Studio Membership

Studios members have the privilege to enjoy a space to create art in a thriving community of artists at relatively low rents. Studios are situated in the Victorian armoury and guardroom that was once part of Brock Barracks, currently occupied by Open Hand Open Space. We currently provide ten studios at The Keep. Studios are allocated using the following procedure.

Studio Allocation Procedure

Applications for use of a studio at OHOS will be invited when a vacancy arises. All applicants meeting the selection criteria, whether or not they are current members, will be considered, having regard to the needs of the organisation and of the applicants. Studio allocation decisions will be made by the Management Committee applying the following criteria, which have been agreed by OHOS Members:

Essential

• An enquiring, professional contemporary art practice that wishes to engage critically in the contemporary art field. To demonstrate this, provide a CV, artist's statement and six examples of recent work.


• Commitment to contributing to the running of OHOS, attending meetings, work parties and other activities.


• Commitment to collaboration and willingness to share your skills and knowledge with the other members, in order to develop your own practice and build up OHOS as an inclusive and engaging art community.


• Able to make good use of the studio - making a case in your application for why you need this particular space at this point in your career.


• Compliance with the terms and conditions for members and studio holders.

Desirable

• Based in Reading, or having strong connections with the Town

Applicants must view the studios before applying and may be interviewed by members of the management committee. On acceptance, and payment of the studio deposit, the applicant will become a studio member of Open Hand Open Space Limited, a registered charity.

Admissions

Please do not apply for a studio until one is advertised. This is because decisions are based on applicants' current practice and circumstances at the time the vacancy arises, which may be some time in the future. If you want to ensure you are notified when a studio is advertised, send an email to secretary@ohos.org.uk with the subject 'Interested in a Studio'. Your details will be kept on file and you will be invited to apply, with two weeks' notice, at the time a studio becomes available.