Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for taking an interest in what we do. Please read the following information before contacting us directly. We are always happy to help if you have a question that isn’t answered here.

Find out more about how we work here.

1. How do I get a space?

Sign up to the Outer Spaces waiting list to hear about new spaces and opportunities in your area. We match artists with the most appropriate spaces for their practice.

When signing up, please give us as much information as possible about how you work so we can offer you a space that suits your needs. For example, tell us what kind of materials, equipment and processes you would like to use in the space and if you’re looking for somewhere to deliver a participatory practice or public engagement activities (e.g. exhibitions, workshops or performances).

2. I’ve signed up to the waiting list, how long will I be waiting for a space?

If you have signed up and received the confirmation email, you are on our waiting list and you do not need to email us to check.

If you have been signed up for a while, but you haven’t heard anything, this means we do not have an appropriate space to offer you in the location you’ve specified. You do not need to email us to check.

3. What can I use the space for?

Anything that fits with Outer Spaces’ objects as an arts charity:

Advancement of the Arts

• Increasing public exposure to, appreciation of, and involvement in the arts.
• Improving facilities and venues where art is produced, displayed or performed by providing spaces for artists and creative practitioners.
• Reaching out to new audiences by bringing art into public spaces.
• Providing opportunities for participation by people who might otherwise be excluded.

Please note:

Only self-contained spaces are suitable for public engagement, see more details in question number 4.

4. Do you offer spaces where I can hold workshops and public events?

Our public-facing shop units and some ground floor office spaces are suitable for organisations and events-based activity e.g. exhibitions, screenings, performances, workshops. These spaces come with specific usage requirements that could involve being open to the public for a set number of days each week.

If you are looking for a space with public access, please share as much information regarding your plans when you sign up to our waiting list and in your application.

We prioritise publicly accessible space for the Outer Spaces programme and Space Partnerships. Therefore, you may have a longer wait for this type of space. If you would also like to apply for a studio space to carry out work that doesn’t require public access, please select both ‘Public Space’ and ‘Studio Space’ when signing up to our waiting list.

5. Do you offer bookable or short-term hireable space?

We do not offer hireable space. All our spaces are free of charge, with a minimum occupancy of one month. As all our properties are temporary, we cannot work with long lead in times and can't guarentee space for a particular date or period of time.

6. Do you offer spaces with supported access?

We are unable to offer additional support to access our spaces. All spaces are temporary and self-managed, therefore being able to access a space independently is essential.

7. Are the spaces accessible?

Accessibility varies by property. If you have specific access needs, please let us know when signing up to the waiting list so we can do our best to match you with a suitable space.

8. Can I operate my business from a space?

We do not provide space for commercial activity on site, but we can provide space if your practice involves the production of work that will be for sale elsewhere, for example, in a gallery or via a website. We can provide space for you to use if your main practice is non-commercial and only part of your practice has some commercial aspect, but please specify this in your application.

No commercial payments can be made in our spaces. 

9. How much does it cost?

Spaces are free to use. However, we welcome voluntary monthly donations to support our charitable work (unless you are part of our programme). More details will be provided if you’re offered a space.

10. Do I need insurance?

Yes. While the building is insured, you are responsible for PPL insurance (public liability insurance and insurance for your own property). We will provide more details if you are offered a space.

11. How can I get an exhibition or take part in the Outer Spaces Programme?

We offer opportunities to artists in our network, including those on our waiting. Opportunities are shared via open calls and by invitation. Please read more about our Programme here.

Please note, we do not tolerate rude or aggressive behaviour to our staff team. Anyone exhibiting these behaviours in person or in email communications will be removed, including from our waiting lists.