Buffalo Arts Studio Resident Artists Policies
Introduction
Buffalo Arts Studio (BAS) is a not-for-profit organization that provides affordable studio space for underrepresented and emerging artists, and regular exposure for artists through exhibitions, and enrichment of the community through classes and creative public art programs. Since 1991 BAS’ community of artists has contributed to carrying out this mission. BAS staff, Board of Directors and resident artists have worked together to develop these policies with the goal of benefiting all constituencies and assuring the smooth operation of BAS and its community of artists.
I. Health and Safety Considerations
A. Spray painting or use of power or pump sprayers or aerosol products is prohibited in BAS facilities without specific prior written approval of BAS staff. Use of toxic, hazardous and/or flammable materials are discouraged and can only be used with prior specific written approval of BAS staff and upon demonstration that the artist seeking to use such materials has been properly trained in the use, storage and disposal of such materials.
B. Use of unlawful drugs and controlled substances in BAS facilities is prohibited. Use of tobacco is also prohibited. Those wishing to smoke cigarettes must do so only in areas designated by the owner of the premises. Alcohol consumption other than during events specifically authorized and/or conducted by BAS, is prohibited.
C. Resident artists are encouraged to use a normal conversational tone at all times. Excessive noise is not permitted. Any radios, disk players or other entertainment devices must be kept at volumes that do no disturb other residents, staff or visitors. Use of headphones is recommended.
D. Resident artists are responsible for the guests and visitors they invite to BAS facilities, and to assure that all such guests and visitors observe these policies.
E. Resident artists are encouraged to furnish BAS staff with an emergency contact and telephone number.
II. BAS Facilities/Office Resources
A. Resident artists are responsible for maintaining individual licensed studio spaces free of hazards, free of debris, and otherwise in a manner that will not be disruptive to BAS staff, resident artists and visitors. Without specific prior authorization from BAS staff, artists may not use hallways, common areas or other community space to create, display or store artworks, or to store equipment or other property.
B. Signage for studio doors and licensed spaces is limited to signage designed, printed and approved by BAS staff and generally consists solely of the artist’s name, BAS logo and suite number. No other signage is authorized. Artists wishing to post notices, announcements and the like, may not use hallway walls, doors, or other community space, but can make such postings on spaces designated for that purpose.
C. The main doors (Suite 500) are to be propped open solely during business hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday) and/or for events for which prior approval of BAS staff is required. At all other times, the main doors are to be kept closed and locked to maintain the security of all persons and property. Resident artists leaving the premises at off hours must take their keys with them and re-lock the door behind them. In addition to the main doors, the panic-bar door at the north end of the front gallery will open when pushed from the inside and should be used to exit in the event of an emergency. All windows in common and community areas are to be closed and locked by the last person leaving the studio at the end of the day both for security purposes and to prevent water damage. Resident artists with private licensed studios are responsible for locking their own windows to preserve security and prevent water damage, as well.
D. Keys to the main doors (Suite 500) are provided to each artist. Keys to the main doors are not to be duplicated or made available even on a temporary basis to third parties without the specific prior written approval of BAS staff. Locks to individual licensed studios may not be changed without the prior written approval of BAS staff and without BAS staff being provided two (2) copies of current keys to the individual licensed studio space to allow emergency and other permitted access.
E. Each resident artist is responsible for securing his or her own property, tools and materials in individual licensed studio spaces, as BAS has no responsibility for property, artworks, tools or other materials in individual resident artist spaces. Resident artists are encouraged to have sturdy, lockable cabinets for storing portable tools, items or artworks, and resident artists are encouraged to insure individually against loss or damage to these items from any cause. Resident artists may not “borrow” materials, tools or equipment from other resident artists’ spaces without the specific prior authorization of the “lender.”
F. The computer laboratory, kilns, printmaking studio and darkroom are available to resident artists who have completed orientation and training in the use of these specific facilities and equipment. These facilities are also subject to scheduling requirements. Designated resident artists have volunteered to furnish orientation and training and to coordinate scheduling for these facilities. Once trained in the use of these facilities, resident artists are asked to adhere to certain rules and regulations so as to assure that everyone will receive the maximum benefits of the equipment. Questions regarding use of these facilities, orientation, training and scheduling should be addressed to the director.
G. Office resources are for use by BAS staff. Special use by resident artists of telephones, photocopier, fax, and the like requires the prior approval of BAS staff. Resident artists are discouraged from giving the BAS telephone number as a number where they can be reached, other than in an emergency.
H. Gallery halogen lights are costly to operate and to replace. These gallery lights should be used only as needed, and turned off when no longer needed.
I. Chairs, tables, stools and other equipment or materials used in education classrooms are solely for use in education programs and for BAS staff purposes and can only be used by resident artists with prior approval of BAS staff.
J. Community space, i.e., kitchen and central work area or side gallery, are generally available for use by resident artists when they are present in the gallery. When an artist is no longer actively using the space, that artist is responsible for removing works, equipment, tools, and materials from community space and for cleaning the area so that it is available for use by others. Art materials are to be disposed of in appropriate containers. Washing of brushes, and other tools or equipment should be done in the slop sinks in the print making classroom or restrooms; not in the kitchen sink. Kitchen surfaces should be used for food preparation only; plates and utensils should be cleaned and put away following use; and any debris properly disposed of. Access to the kitchen and central work area may be restricted prior to and during special events in BAS space. Each artist is responsible for disposal of wastes from his or her own activities. Questions regarding proper disposal, of wastes should be directed to BAS staff.
K. Information on upcoming events taking place at BAS, job openings, calls for work, etc. will be posted in designated areas.
L. BAS staff and building maintenance personnel may, from time-to-time, require access to individual resident artist licensed studios and other BAS facilities. Reasonable efforts will be taken to notify resident artists when such access may be required. Reasonable efforts will also be made to protect resident artists’ property, tools, equipment, materials and works at those times, but BAS shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may occur, regardless of cause.
III. Artist Community Matters
A. BAS staff, directors, and resident artists are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and experience. Disrespect for or disparagement of the race, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion or spiritual orientation of other resident artists, staff and visitors to the studio will not be tolerated.
B. In addition to resident artists’ responsibilities to participate in certain community activities under the terms of the Revocable Studio Space License, resident artists are encouraged to participate in meetings of BAS resident artists, to act as representatives to the BAS Board of Directors, to participate in BAS events, and to participate in the process of interviewing prospective resident artists seeking to join the BAS community.
C. Being a BAS resident artist does not confer participation or automatic selection of works for BAS events, exhibitions or shows. All resident artists are encouraged to respond to calls for work and will be considered for inclusion on an equal footing with other artists submitting work. Selection criteria and exhibit scheduling are determined by the curator and director.
D. BAS is not a foundation nor does it give grants to artists. As a not-for- profit organization, BAS can, at times, act as a pass through for grants, although prior approval of BAS participation as a pass through must be obtained prior to the resident artist making application. BAS resident artists are also encouraged to apply for work in BAS educational programs, along with other artists, and BAS resident artists that apply will be given every consideration for positions. Determinations on filling instructor positions are made by the education director.