What is Centrespace co-op and how is IT run?
Centrespace is a Co-operative, this means it is run by its members, which are the studio holders, about 30 people.
All members are equal and must contribute to the running of the Co-operative.
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Centrespace employs two part time administrators who help with some aspects of running the co-op.
Members take turns in being on the Management Committee (for a period of 6 months recurring every 9 months) which oversees the running of Centrespace. This includes the finances, the building repairs and projects, the insurance, health and safety, and policies and procedures updates ,the recruiting of new members, the organising of events etc.
The Management Committee meets every 2 weeks, and as well as attending meetings, members are expected to take turns chairing meetings and taking minutes. Matters arising from meetings usually require further work from members.
Members are required to attend General Meetings occurring four times a year, and to be part of at least one other Committee which oversees one aspect of Centrespace. Such Committees are The Finance Committee, The Building and Maintenance Committee, the Health and Safety Committee, The New Members Committee, The Gallery Committee. Committees meet regularly and carry work within their remit.
Members are expected to be pro-active within the Co-operative and encouraged to take part in events such as the Open Studio event.
Members are requested to use their studios as their primary place of work and therefore be present in the building for an average of 3 days a week.
Amongst the many rewards of cooperatively running this space, are the sense of collective ownership and the ability to make decisions together, the possibility of suggesting and overseeing projects from idea to completion, the access to a reduced rate gallery and events space, the support network and sense of community, and the extremely low rent.
FAQ’s
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No. Members of Centrespace are expected to use their studios as their primary place of work.
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Yes
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The building has 3 floors, with stairs leading to all floors. The Studios are not currently wheelchair accessible due to several steep stairs for entry and there is currently no lift.
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Each studio has its own electricity meter and members pay their own electricity costs.
*There is no central heating and some studios get very cold in the winter months and very hot in the summer months.
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Yes, there is WIFI and ethernet connection throughout the building. This is included in the rent.
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Studio sharing may be permitted if agreed by the Management Committee.
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Members of Centrespace are expected to take part in regular meetings, join at least one committee which oversees one aspect of the co-op (for example: Building & maintenance, Finance, Running the event space etc), and sit on the Management Committee (which meets every 2 weeks) for 6 out of 16 months. Members are also encouraged to take part in the co-operative wide events such as Open Studios.
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On average 1-2 hours per week, although this may fluctuate depending on a range of factors.
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There are several secure places to lock bikes behind locked doors in the building.
Centrespace cannot be held responsible for any theft or damage to bikes and it is prohibited to leave e-bikes charging in the building unattended or overnight.
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Yes, members can run workshops from their studio, and they can also hire the event space on the ground floor of the building at a reduced members rate. Members will need to follow the relevant health and safety/fire protocol if running workshops.
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Members of Centrespace can hire the gallery at a reduced members rate.
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The notice period for leaving a studio is 2 months.
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There is no on-street parking. There are time restricted drop-off bays nearby and NCP car parks a short walk away.
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No, as we are all volunteering, unfortunately we don't have time to allow people to visit the space. However if your application is successful and you are invited for an interview, we will show you the studio.