Print Workshop Membership Survey

Benchmarking study of membership cost / benefits.

Gillian Cook, Glasgow Print Studio, 25th May 2010

OverviewThis benchmarking study reviews the membership structure of 28 printstudios in Scotland, the rest of the UK, Ireland, the United States andCanada. The findings are based on desk research using the information onthe print studio websites.

Aims & objectivesThe study aims to identify any gaps in the benefits Glasgow Print Studiooffers its members in comparison with other print workshops and anydiscrepancies in pricing.

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Print StudiosScotland- Glasgow Print Studio- Edinburgh Print Studio- Highland Print Studio- Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) Print Studio

England- Northern Print Studio- London Print Studio- East London Printmakers- Artichoke Printmaking Studio- Inky Cuttlefish- Ochre Print Studio- Spike Print Studio- John Howard Print Studio- Oxford Printmakers Co-operative Ltd.- Double Elephant Printworkshop- Cuckoo Farm Studios

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Print StudiosEngland- Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-op- Leicester Print Workshop- West Yorkshire Print Workshop- Hot Bed Press Printmakers Studio- Red Hot Press

Wales- Swansea Print Workshop- Aberystwyth Printmakers

Northern Ireland- Belfast Print Workshop- Seacourt Print Workshop

Ireland- Cork Printmakers- Black Church Print Studio 4

Print StudiosUnited States- Anchor Graphics, Columbia College, Chicago

Canada- Open Studio

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Opening hours• During weekThe Scottish print studios have similar opening times and late nights, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm with the exception of Highland Print Studio which opens until 9pm on a Thursday only.

The English studios have varied opening times and tend to be closed during lunch and dinner (for late night openings). The smaller studios, e.g. Artichoke, Inky Cuttlefish and John Howard don’t have late night openings, unless by appointment.

Spike Print Studio and Double Elephant Print Workshop have the longest opening times; keyholders of Spike have 24 hour access and full and visiting members of Double Elephant have access from 10am - 11pm Mon - Sat.Unusual - East London Printmakers have late night opening on a Thursday only; each day is split into sessions. Users may book more than 1 session on a Thursday but have to leave the studio during the periods between sessions.

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Opening hours• WeekendsAgain the Scottish print studios have similar opening times on a Friday / Saturday; 10am - 6pm although Glasgow Print Studio shuts slightly earlier at 5.30pm.

The UK and international print studios opening times vary – some open morning only on a Saturday (John Howard Print Studio 9.30 am – 12.30pm); some afternoon only (Inky Cuttlefish 12.30pm – 5.30pm, Anchor Graphics 2pm – 5pm); and others open all day, (Northern Print Studio, East London Printmakers, Swansea Print Workshop).

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Experience needed to become a member?Some studios don’t ask visitors to be members to use the facilities but they need enough printmaking experience to work independently in the studio (East London Printmakers).

Other requirements are that occasional users access the studio when technical assistance is available (Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-op).

Hot Bed Press (in Salford) and Red Hot Press (in Southampton) are open to all and don’t stipulate on their websites that experience is necessary to become a member or to use the studio facilities.

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How to apply to become a memberScottish Print Studios Glasgow Print Studio and Edinburgh Print Studio operate a similar application process for new members - apply to workshop manager and attend an induction. With Highland Print Studio new members are asked to take a class in the technique they want to learn and then become a member of the Studio. DCA asks new users to register (pay an annual fee). ‘On registering, users receive a Users Guide and Conditions of Usage and take part in an induction course which outlines the systems relating to booking of equipment, payment for use of the studio space and equipment, health and safety information and procedures, education and other opportunities’.

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How to apply to become a memberEnglish Print Studios Ochre Print Studio - have a compulsory induction to facility and studio procedure which takes 30 mins and is part of the first open access session.Spike Print Studio - need to attend an informal interview (showing a small portfolio of work) and attend an induction (cost £15) to become a member. Must be competent in one area of print to be a member.John Howard Print Studio - operates session fees only; to use Open Access Studio need a 15 minute induction and studio orientation.Oxford Printmakers Co-operative - newcomers may be asked to bring in a portfolio of work and they must do a probationary 20 hours first at a cost of £2 per hour + materials.Cuckoo Farm Studios - run as a small co-operative with a 2 day induction process for new members led by an existing member. Applications for membership are reviewed by committee.

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How to apply to become a memberEnglish Print Studios Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-op - application form.Leicester Print Workshop - application form plus an induction course for all including experienced printmakers.

Ireland Print StudiosBlack Church Print Studio - more complex application process dependant on ability and use of studio:Access (artists): assessed twice per year in March and September by 2 Board Members and 1 independent assessor. They need a ‘strong, cohesive portfolio of original artwork (min. 8 pieces) showing the development of concept and ideas as well as technical proficiency in the chosen print form’. They should also submit a recent CV and artist statement.Temporary Access: is offered to applicants who must have attended at least 1 class or a minimum of 1 day assisted access at the Studio although this does not guarantee selection.

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How to apply to become a memberIreland Print StudiosBlack Church Print Studio Temporary Access (contd): applicants should submit a portfolio of print work; show they can work independently and have a high degree of technical proficiency. Plus provide a CV and artist statement. They should also include an outline of the project / work they wish to complete in the studio specifying the number of days required and chosen area of print. The selection panel for this level of access is the Print Co-ordinator and the Technical Manager.

CanadaOpen Studio operate a different membership approach. Would-be members need to have rented in the studio for a minimum of 6 months; applications are approved by the Board of Directors and include a CV and cover letter.

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Paying for induction sessionsEnglish Print Studios Some studios charge for their induction sessions:

East London Printmakers - charge £8 for an induction session to the equipment and the Health & Safety guidelines for the studio.

Spike Print Studio - induction costs £15

Oxford Printmakers Co-operative - newcomers must do a probationary 20 hours first at a cost of £2 per hour + materials. (£40+).

Double Elephant Printworkshop - £15 induction fee + £50 annual maintenance fee (for equipment).

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Membership OptionsScottish Print StudiosAll four print studios offer concessions on annual membership for those receiving unemployment or disability benefits; National Union of Students(NUS) cardholders and senior citizens.

Core Membership CostFull Concession Frequency

Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 AnnualEdinburgh £60.00 £35.00 AnnualHighland £35.00 £25.00 AnnualDCA (registration fee) £40.35 £20.20 Annual

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Membership OptionsEnglish Print StudiosThe availability of concessions varies by print studio in the rest of the UK.


Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 AnnualNorthern Print Studio £50.00 £25.00 AnnualLondon Print Studio £30.00 £24.00 AnnualEast London P’makers £30.00 £15.00 AnnualArtichoke £100.00 n/a AnnualInky Cuttlefish session fees only listed on websiteOchre Print Studios £35.00 n/a AnnualSpike Print Studio £517 n/a Annual(Keyholder: experienced printmakers)John Howard session fees onlyOxford Printmakers £456 (£38 per month) AnnualDouble Elephant £240 (£20 per month) Annual

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Membership OptionsEnglish Print StudiosThe availability of concessions varies by print studio in the rest of the UK.


Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 AnnualCuckoo Farm Studios n/aGloucestershire Co-Op £480 (£40 per month) AnnualLeicester £45 n/a AnnualWest Yorkshire £41.50 AnnualHot Bed Press £50.00 £35.00 Annual(Print Membership)Red Hot Press £75.00 £65.00 Annual (Sept.)

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Membership OptionsWelsh Print StudiosThe availability of concessions varies by print studio in the rest of the UK.


Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 AnnualSwansea Print W’shop £60.00 n/a AnnualAberystwyth £20.00 £10.00 Annual

Northern Irish Print Studios


Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 AnnualBelfast Print W’shop n/a n/aSeacourt Print W’shop £300.00 Annual(Keyholder)

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Membership OptionsIrish Print StudiosThe availability of concessions varies by print studio.


Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 AnnualCork Printmakers €400 n/a Annual(Keyholder)Black Church Print €520 n/a Annual

US Print StudiosThe availability of concessions varies by print studio.


Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 AnnualAnchor Graphics session fees only

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Membership Options

Canadian Print StudiosThe availability of concessions varies by print studio.


Glasgow £85.00 £42.50Annual

Open Studio $30 AnnualNote: need to have rented a studio for a minimum of 6 months before application for membership can be considered.

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Membership Benefits

Scottish Print StudiosMembership benefits vary by studio. Benefits not listed for Highland Print Studio or DCA Print Studio online.

Membership BenefitsGlasgow Print Studio Edinburgh Printmakers1. Access to workshop upon

payment of session fees.2. Option to submit work to be

considered as stock for the retail gallery.

3. Possible selection of work to be included in external exhibitions at art fairs and other events.

4. Invitation to GPS exhibition previews and other events.

5. 15% off GPS framing service.6. 10% off books and

magazines.7. 20% off purchases from

Artstore.8. 20% off purchases from

Millers.9. Discount on venue hire at

GPS.

1. Access one of the best printmaking facilities in the UK.2. Members can submit prints to be considered for selection for

sale in the gallery browsers and also to members’ exhibitions & Art Fairs.

3. 10% off education courses (except short taster courses) with annual membership.

4. Receive regular updates of artist opportunities and news through a newsletter and e-bulletins.

5. Be part of a dynamic and ever improving printmaking studio.6. Invitation to all events at EP: previews, artist-talks, master-

classes, members-classes etc.7. Be eligible to be included in group exhibitions run by EP.8. Show work to the public through the gallery consignment

programme.9. Have a voice at the AGM and be eligible to be elected for the

Board.10. Able to apply for funding, as being part of a recognised arts

organisation. 20

Membership Benefits

UK Print StudiosMembership benefits vary by studio. Benefits not listed for Ochre Print Studio or Inky Cuttlefish online. (Benefits listed are for full membership).

Membership BenefitsNorthern Print

StudioLondon Print Studio East London Printmakers

1. Members enjoy subsidised access to professional printmaking facilities; receive technical support for screen printing, relief printing, etching and have the use of a darkroom.

1. Access to print studio or digital studio.

2. 15% off large format printing prices, on orders over £150.

3. Regular mailings about exhibitions and events.

4. Special offers on sessions and training.

5. Exhibition opportunities.

1. Meetings held every 3 months – a great way to meet other printmakers. Also Breakfast Club – a popular social event.

2. Member talks plus guest speakers.3. Exhibitions – 2 or 3 per year; offers

chance to curate.4. Weekly email newsletter with

opportunities and exhibition updates.5. Members can have a page on the website.6. Concessionary rate for ELP workshops and

can attend members-only Masters workshops.

7. Join Keyholder waiting list for 24 hour access to the studio.

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Membership Benefits

UK Print StudiosMembership benefits vary by studio. Benefits not listed for Ochre P S or Inky Cuttlefish online. (Benefits listed are for full membership).

Membership BenefitsArtichoke

Printmaking StudioSpike Print Studio Oxford Printmakers Co-Op

1. Members are able to participate in Artichoke’s exhibition programmes.

2. Page on website.3. Have work on display

in the print browsers and within the studio and mezzanine gallery areas for art consultants, and client buyers to access.

1. Benefits vary depending on type of membership.

2. Keyholder – 24 hour access to the Print Studio.

3. Standard & Associate – access 2 days per week, during times when a Technician is available.

4. Affiliate – no studio access but can exhibit with SPS; attend events & receive a discount on courses & workshops.

5. Member page on website (£3 per month).

6. Storage: 10% discount.

1. Can participate in OPC exhibitions.2. Can hold work in OPC portfolios

and slide library.3. Can attend committee meetings

and AGMs.4. All members become shareholders

when joining OPC.5. There is a probationary period of 3

months.

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Membership Benefits


Membership BenefitsDouble Elephant Print Workshop

Swansea Print Workshop

Cuckoo Farm Studios

1. Open access to all workshop equipment and facilities during Centre opening hours.

2. Door code.3. Technical support available 1 day

per week.4. Quarterly newsletters.5. Exhibition and project opportunities.6. Invitations to all Private Views and

events.7. Contact with other printmakers.8. Opportunities to get involved in

Members’ Forum & participate in workshops.

9. 10% discount off course places.10. 10% discount off purchases of

artwork from events where DE takes a commission.

1. Reduced fees for open access sessions.

2. Reduced fees for workshops.3. Able to work independently

in members only sessions as well as open access sessions.

4. Can participate in Exhibition programme, Print Auctions, Open Days and group projects.

5. Can join Printmakers Forum; meeting once a month.

6. Artist’s page on website.7. Invitation to AGM and option

to join Board.

1. Can submit artwork for all CFS group shows.

2. Can apply to have a solo / group show in The Benham Gallery.

3. Artist’s page on website.

4. CFS email address.5. Email newsletter with

events and artist opportunities.

6. Can attend AGM & make suggestions for use of CFS grounds.

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Membership Benefits


Membership BenefitsGloucestershire Printmaking Co-Op

Leicester Print WorkshopWest Yorkshire Print

Workshop1. Free induction.2. Flexible timetable; 24 hour

access available by arrangement.

3. Exhibition and sales opportunities.

4. Voting rights / opportunity to become a Committee member.

5. Quarterly e-newsletter.6. Discounted rates on courses /

workshops run by the Co-Op.7. Opportunity to display work in

online gallery with links to your website. £50 for entry, £20 for further edits.

1. Use of workshop equipment and facilities.

2. Technician support from print technician.

3. Regular newsletter.4. Opportunities to exhibit locally

and nationally.5. Opportunity to meet other

practicing artists.6. Regular email information of

current events.

1. If Keyholder - access to print workshop 24 hours per day.

2. Quarterly newsletter.3. Can participate in / attend

promotional events and exhibitions.

4. Social activities including drawing days & exhibition visits.

5. ‘Artspeak’ creative exchange sessions

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Membership Benefits


Membership BenefitsHot Bed Press Printmakers Studio

Red Hot Press Belfast Print Workshop

1. Print Membership – access to workshop 5 days per week during open access times.

2. Exhibition opportunities.3. Quarterly newsletter and

regular updates.4. Reduction on all Hot Bed

Press courses & other events, e.g. member’s life drawing classes.

5. Monthly Wed & Sat evening print sessions.

6. Monthly Bookstars events (bookmaking collective) – to discuss ideas and arrange events; plus demonstrations.

1. Lively programme of exhibitions.

2. Share ideas with other practising printmakers.

3. Hire of the workshop for £22 per person per day + ink charge if using workshop inks.

4. 10% discount on taught courses.

5. Free quarterly newsletter.6. Free get-togethers with other

workshop members (4 per year).

7. Free entry to 1 member’s exhibition.

8. 10% discount off Perry’s Art Shop in Southampton and at Tinba Picture Framers and Hawthorn Printmaker suppliers.

1. Members benefit from materials at near cost price.

2. Reciprocal links with print studios internationally allow members to exhibit worldwide.

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Membership Benefits

Other Print StudiosMembership benefits vary by studio. Benefits not listed for Ochre P S or Inky Cuttlefish online. (Benefits listed are for full membership).

Membership BenefitsCork Printmakers

Anchor Graphics, USA

Open Studio, Canada

1. Work can be exhibited in the print saleroom.

2. Members can submit to curated exhibitions.

3. Free newsletter subscription.

1. Students enrolled in Anchor Graphics classes can use the Open Studio for the duration of the class for only $2 materials fee.

1. Discount on facility rental fees.2. Discount on Open Studio weekend workshop

fees.3. Automatically included in the Print Sales Program

at Open Studio.4. Discounted production supplies to buy at Open

Studio.5. Discount on artwork purchased through Print

Sales Program at Open Studio.6. Opportunities for professional development and

project management through experience on committees and Board.

7. Eligibility to apply for Nick Novak Scholarship.8. Monthly news of gallery and special events by

mail and email.9. Promotion of artist activities in OS newsletter

etc.10. Discount at art stores.

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Session Fees

Scottish Print StudiosSession fees contribute to the cost of consumables provided by the workshop (e.g. inks, solvents etc) and are generally charged on top of membership fees; Edinburgh Printmakers includes the cost of membership & annual session fees in a quarterly instalment price of £137.50; GPS’s annual combined membership & session fee price is £240. Pricing structures vary greatly by studio making comparisons difficult.

Session Fees

Glasgow Print Studio Highland Print Studio

Annual£155.00 £144.00

6 monthly £95.00 £80.00

3 monthly £60.00 £45.00

Full day £6.00 £6.50

Half day £4.00 n/a27

Session Fees

Scottish Print StudiosEdinburgh Printmakers offer concessionary rates on session fees unlike other print studios (figures shown are full rates). DCA charge supplements for the use of some large format and sophisticated equipment, e.g. Praga multi purpose motorised press, KIPPAX screen printing tables etc. not shown here.

Session Fees Edinburgh Printmakers

DCA Print Studio

Annual (by standing order x4 instalments)

£550.00 (includes cost of annual membership)

£235.00

3 months £200.00 £107.30

1 month £85.00 £56.20

3 sessions £13.50 n/a

2 sessions £10.50 n/a

1 session £5.75 Daily: £3.85 or Pop-in (up to 2 hours): £1.80 28

Session FeesUK Print StudiosThe UK print studios offer fewer ‘package deals’ e.g. 3 monthly or annual session fees but either charge per use or in blocks of sessions. Some also charge additional fees for equipment. London Print Studio offers concessions on session fees (full rates shown here); users must pre-purchase session vouchers & book sessions in advance.

Session Fees Northern Print Studio

London Print Studio

Annual n/a 25 sessions £207.90

3 monthly n/a 15 sessions £141.40

Daily £15.00 10 sessions £102.40

Full day & evening (Thurs only)

£22.50 5 sessions £52.30

Half day / evening £9.00 1 session £11.40

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Session FeesUK Print StudiosThe UK print studios offer fewer ‘package deals’ e.g. 3 monthly or annual session fees but either charge per use or in blocks of sessions. Some also charge additional fees for equipment.

Session FeesEast London Printmakers

Artichoke Printmaking Studio

Thurs session (3 hours)

£12.00 10 sessions

£152.50

Sat session (4 hours)

£15.00 6 sessions £101.50

4 sessions £69.00

1 session £19.25

Sessions must be paid in advance.

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Session FeesUK Print StudiosThe UK print studios offer fewer ‘package deals’ e.g. 3 monthly or annual session fees but either charge per use or in blocks of sessions. Some also charge additional fees for equipment.

Session Fees Inky Cuttlefish (public & visitor

rates)

Ochre Print Studio

Per hour Per session

Wed 12.30pm – 5.30pm

£4.00 25 sessions £210.00

Thurs 12.00pm – 4.00pm

£4.00 15 sessions £130.00

Sat 12.30pm – 5.30pm £4.00 10 sessions £90.00

Pay up front 3 hour session

£10.00

20 hours £60.00

10 hours £32.0031

Session FeesUK Print StudiosThe UK print studios offer fewer ‘package deals’ e.g. 3 monthly or annual session fees but either charge per use or in blocks of sessions. No registration or membership fee applies to use John Howard Print Studio; session fees only.

Session FeesJohn Howard Print

StudioOxford Printmakers Co-

Op

Per hour£5.00 In addition to standard

membership rates

Personalised tutor sessions

£10.00 Charge 0.60p per hour studio charge

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Session FeesUK Print StudiosThe UK print studios offer fewer ‘package deals’ e.g. 3 monthly or annual session fees but either charge per use or in blocks of sessions.

Session Fees

Swansea Print Studio

Gloucestershire Printmakers Co-Op

Full Member per 3 hour session

£6.00 Occasional Users

£20 per morning studio use

Ordinary Member per 3 hour session

£9.00 Standard Membership

Booking system applies for Etching & Litho workshop and

Screenprint; restricted access up to 16 hours per week.

Sessions to be booked in advance.

Keyholder Membership

£10 deposit payable for keys to Griffin Mill & £10 for Caretaker’s

Cottages. Booking system applies for the Etching workshop

and Screenprinting.

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Session Fees

West Yorkshire Print Workshop

Hot Bed Press Printmakers Studio


£1.80 per hour (incl VAT)

Studio Hire Card (allows 8 hours use)

£12.00

Standard Membership

£1.80 per hour (incl VAT)

Materials voucher £10.00

Both vouchers to be purchased in advance.

Print (Standard) Membership

£1.50 per hour


No session fees

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Session Fees

Aberystwyth Printmakers

Seacourt Print Workshop

Per hour

£1 per hour + cost of any materials used

Irregular: for artists wishing to experiment or print a single edition.

Monthly £80.00

Weekly £40.00

Daily £20.00

Hourly £5.00

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Session FeesInternational Print StudiosThe trend with the international studios is for daily or weekly usage fees.

Session FeesCork Printmakers Anchor

Graphics

AssociateAccesses workshop under technician’s

supervision

Open Studio for the public (restricted hours)

Weekly usage fee

€32.00 Session fee $20.00

Daily usage fee

€10.00 Materials fee (does not include paper or plates. Inks and other materials are provided.)

$2.00

Pay in advance & get 8 Open Studio sessions for the price of 6

$132.00

Shop Rental – experienced artists only

Session fee per hour $10.00

Full day materials fee $10.00

Half day materials fee $5.0036

Session FeesInternational Print StudiosThe trend with the international studios is for daily or weekly usage fees.

Session Fees (supply fees cover all in-house materials, e.g. acids, solvents, cleaning solutions etc. Taxes are charged on supply fees but not on rental fees.)

Open Studio, Canada

Monthly Supply Fees

Lithography $63.00

Intaglio / Relief $43.00

Waterbased screenprinting $55.00

Weekly Supply Fees

¼ of monthly supply fee depends on process used (see above)

Weekend Supply Fees $10.00

1 day supply fees $5.00

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Visitor / Out of Town user ratesScottish Print StudiosSome print studios offer Visitor rates to cover the cost of membership and session fees for a limited period of time. As with session fees there are a variety of pricing options available. There will be induction charges on top of these fees for most of the studios.

Visitor / Out of Town User RatesGlasgow Print Studio

Highland Print Studio

Full day £15.00 Session Packs Each session equals 1 day and there is no time limit as to when sessions are used.

Half day £10.00 10 days £55.00

5 days £30.00

Edinburgh Printmakers

DCA Print Studio

1 week £75.00 1 week £75.00

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Visitor / Out of Town user ratesUK Print StudiosLondon Print Studio offers a residency programme from 1st June to the end of September; allows intensive access to the studio and prices are discounted by 17% on standard rates. (Print materials are not included).

Visitor / Out of Town User RatesLondon Print Studio

Residency: Independent Air

Designed for seasoned printmakers; includes temporary registration with LPS; induction to studio & equipment; a free consultation with a printstudio co-ordinator, plus access to studios for the duration of the package.

2 weeks (15 sessions) £134.50



Residency: Collaborative Air

Designed for printmakers of all levels who would like assistance with processes, improving skills and customised technical support.




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Visitor / Out of Town user ratesUK Print StudiosDouble Elephant Printworkshop offer a Visiting Membership which allows open access to all workshop equipment and facilities during Phoenix opening hours; a door code and technical support is available one day per week.

Visitor / Out of Town User Rates

Double Elephant Printworkshop

One-off induction fee £15.00

One hour sessions block booked one week in advance

£5.00

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Friends’ SchemesScottish Print StudiosNone of the 4 Scottish print studios reviewed in this research offer a Friends Scheme.

UK Print StudiosFriends Schemes

East London Printmakers Spike Print Studio

Friends Membership

Donation min. £30.00 Friends Scheme, 2 strands: 1.£40 one-off subscription for a year;2.£95 lump sum or £8 per month.

Benefits:1.10% discounted access to prints, framing & courses.2.Invites to private views and a newsletter twice a year.3.Invite to Studio annual event.4.Commissioned limited edition screen print by artist member Simon Tozer (£95 strand only).

Benefits 1. Exhibitions: private view invitations to group shows.

2. Membership – attend meetings and receive e-newsletters.

3. Credit – acknowledgement of support via the ELP catalogue and website.

4. Box Print – receive a complimentary limited edition print.

Corporate Friends Scheme1. Annual fee of £500

Benefits:Spike Print Studio will work closely with organisation to develop a range of benefits appropriate for them.1.Learn about contemporary art and collecting prints.2.A reduced rate print loan scheme.3.Exclusive previews of exhibitions.

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Friends’ SchemesUK Print Studios

Double Elephant Printworkshop

Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-op

Friends Membership

£30 per year Friends Membership £15 per year (£8 Jan – June for new members)No studio use allowed.

Benefits 1. Opportunity to support the growth and development of Double Elephant.

2. Quarterly newsletters.3. Invitations to all Private Views,

Open Days and other events.4. Chance to get involved in

Members’ Forum and participate in workshop activities.

5. 10% off course places (subject to availability).

6. 10% off purchases of artwork from events where DE takes a commission.

Benefits 1. Quarterly e-newsletter.2. Discounted rates on courses /

workshops run by the Co-Op.3. Automatically invited to Co-

Op exhibition Private Views.4. Invited to Co-Op social

events.

Friends with printmaking experience

1. Can use the facility on a Wed for £20 (or £10 per half day) when technical support available.

2. Contact with other printmakers.3. Exhibition opportunities.4. Inclusion on website Members

Gallery. 42

Friends’ SchemesInternational Print Studios

Black Church Print Studio

Individual Friends Membership

€175 per year

Corporate Friends Membership

€350 per year

Benefits 1. Show interest in and support of the Black Church Print Studio.

2. Studio can reinvest income into new equipment; improving facilities.

3. Annual ‘Friends Print Draw’ – choose from a wide selection of original prints by studio members. Each Friend is guaranteed to win a print. Many of the prints available are worth 2 or 3 times the value of a Friends ticket.

4. Invitation to all BCPS exhibitions, open-days and demonstrations plus an invite to a special Friends’ Coffee morning.

5. Friends’ scheme is tax deductible: BCPS has charitable status and any amount over €250 is tax deductible.

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SummaryOpening hoursThe Scottish print studios have similar opening hours and Glasgow Print Studio is as accessible as other studios in the UK, USA and Canada. As an additional benefit to members 24 hour (keyholder) access could be considered; if this was considered an option by the Board it would be useful to gauge interest in a Members’ Survey as there will be an impact on the Workshop (member safety, security etc.)

Application processThe application process is run along similar lines for all studios although large city studios, e.g. Black Church Print Studio in Dublin and Spike Print Studio in Bristol operate quite formalprocesses: a portfolio and an interview. This may be driven by the number of applications formembership; Spike Print Studio mentions a waiting list for membership on its website.

Induction sessionsSome studios charge for their induction sessions which seems unfair as the induction is a keypart of becoming a member and being able to use the Studio safely.

Membership pricingGlasgow Print Studio’s topline fee for full membership is more expensive in comparison to13 of the other studios. However, when session fees are added, GPS becomes more competitive (£240) and Edinburgh Printmakers looks very expensive at £550 per year.

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SummaryMembership Pricing (contd)

Full membership Annual session feesTotal

Glasgow Print Studio: £85.00 £155 £240Edinburgh Printmakers £60.00 £137.50 (x4 instalments) £550*Highland Print Studio £35.00 £144 £179DCA Print Studio £40.35 £235£275.35*Edinburgh Printmakers offer a 10% discount on the combined membership + annual session fee price.

Other studios with high membership fees may have ‘session fees’ already included, makingdirect comparisons difficult. Spike Print Studio’s membership rate for Keyholders (experienced printmakers allowing 24 hour access) is £517 per year or £47 per month by standing order; there is a minimum membership period of 6 months.

Most of the studios are likely to have a captive audience and will serve a wide catchment area because of the quality of the facilities and the range of equipment available to artists. This may mean there is some flexibility in pricing: members are likely to pay more to access good quality facilities near to their home. Again, satisfaction / dissatisfaction with the membership fee and session fees charged by GPS can be measured in a Members’ Survey and also in an ‘exit’ survey if artists cancel their membership.

The Canadian Open Studio facility operates an interesting scheme. In this case, would-be members have to rent space at the Studio for 6 months before being considered for membership.

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SummaryDifferences in Membership BenefitsThe key differences are:a)GPS offer discounts on a broad range of services / materials e.g. framing, books and magazines and supplies from local art stores.b)Other print studios offer members a voice on the Board / Committees which give them a say in the future direction of the studio.c)24 hour access for Keyholders.d)Artists pages on the website promoting their work and showcasing the variety of techniques used in the studio; some studio’s charge for this benefit.e)Social activities: e.g. drawing days and exhibition visits; ‘Artspeak’ creative exchange sessions.

Options d) and e) may be worth considering although again useful to gauge interest through a Members’ Survey.

Visitor / out of town ratesAll Scottish studios offer this and a few in the rest of the UK. GPS is the most expensivein Scotland although choice may be determined by other factors e.g. the cost andavailability of accommodation in the local area.

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SummaryFriends SchemeThe cost of this varies greatly among the studios offering it, from £15 to £500 per year for a Corporate Scheme.

The benefits are similar for ‘Friends’ and Members although in most cases there is no studio access offered apart from Double Elephant Printworkshop.

Black Church Print Studio, a registered Irish charity point out the tax deductible benefits of becoming a Friend and this could be a good way to promote it in the current economic climate.

Further research into Friends Schemes offered by other arts organisations in the UK would be useful.

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Education

Print Workshop Membership Survey