Consulting Services

All new projects begin with an Artspace Consulting study, specifically the Preliminary Feasibility and Arts Market Studies. We are happy to answer questions you may have about our process, and tell you more about how we approach our development work.

Artspace developments normally span four to seven years. We are committed to community engagement as an essential part of the development process and each Artspace project is built to address the unique needs of a specific community. We believe that the key to a successful project is taking the time to observe and listen to artists, civic leaders and other stakeholders in the community. During the feasibility and development stages we research and build relationships with a variety of public and private funding sources. Though this can be a time-consuming process, it has an important upside: Artspace projects are fully supported and funded at the time of ground breaking.

A Preliminary Feasibility Study provides the community with a better understanding of its creative sector and what can be done to support it. In the Preliminary Feasibility Report, Artspace outlines tailored recommendations and next steps based on the feedback heard during the focus groups and public meeting. In most cases, moving onto the Arts Market Study is the next step on the path towards an Artspace project. But in certain instances it may be more beneficial to first build up the leadership and arts community, or pursue other arts developments with a local developer(s). Whatever the path, Artspace is committed to leaving each community with a better understanding of how they can support their creative sector, and to providing the tools to address local creative space needs and shortages. 

Artspace creates the space for arts and community activities to take place, but relies on local businesses and non-profits to fill the space and activate it. Artspace typically leases its commercial space on a long-term (1-year or longer) rental basis. During the Preliminary Feasibility Stage and Arts Market Study, Artspace Consulting tries to meet with possible businesses or organizations that could eventually be tenants in a future Artspace building. 

Artspace Consulting uses years of real estate knowledge and experience with nonprofits to consult on the financial sustainability and space use plans for organizations. If you have a business plan for a new creative space, but need help with next steps including: project concept refinement, selecting a site, governance models, renting vs. owning, we are happy to be of assistance.