Guidance for tenants

Artists Studios | Creative Industry Workspace | Creative Retail | Live/Work Space


Artists Studios
We currently manage over 50 artists studio spaces within the Creative Quarter and the number is set to increase substantially by the end of 2007. We currently operate waiting lists for all our studio spaces.

Our Criteria
We expect all applicants (and all our tenants) to be actively practising.

We believe that for a creative community to prosper it is important for creative people from many disciplines to work alongside one another, sharing ideas and making unexpected connections, so we encourage a stimulating mix within our buildings.

How to apply for studio space

Please download and complete the studio application form and read the notes below.

To be placed on the waiting list you need to fill out and send in our studio application form and provide an up-to-date CV (and examples of your work if appropriate). The form asks a series of mandatory questions which help us allocate the right space as it becomes available. Please note we cannot show you space until we've received your application and will only contact you to view when space becomes available.

It can take time to be allocated space, so you should update your application form should your contact details change.

Once you have completed your application please return by post to:
The Creative Foundation, The Glassworks, Mill Bay, Folkestone, CT20 1JG, marking your envelope 'Studio Application'.

You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt.
The Creative Foundation does not currently charge for registration.

Space allocation
We offer space as it becomes available, either from turnover of already established studios or as new developments come online.

We currently have a substantial number of applicants on the waiting list and it is not currently possible to predict accurately when space will become available.

As space does become available it will be offered to those at the top of the waiting list and whose needs are appropriate to the space.

If we contact you to invite you to view space and we do not receive a response from you, we cannot guarantee that you will be kept on the waiting list.

If you are offered a space which meets your stated requirements but you decide not to take it up, we reserve the right to remove you from the waiting list.

Access
We aim at all times to comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Please advise us as to your access requirements and any registered disabled status in the 'Additional Information' section of the Studio Application Form.

Renting a space
Each space is rented on a six-month renewable licence. Licences are normally renewed unless you are deemed to be in default of its terms or are no longer actively using your space. We reserve the right to move tenants to a suitable alternative location should it become necessary.

The rent of the studio includes rates and electricity. However if the electricity use becomes excessive we will review your rent.

Rents are paid one month in advance by direct debt and you will need to give one month’s rent as a deposit. This deposit is returnable when you vacate the building.

Rents are reviewed every year on 1st April. Our charitable objective is to support artists by offering reasonable rents.

If you wish to leave your studio you may terminate your licence at any time by giving one month’s notice.

Your deposit will be returned to you once your space has been inspected, less any deductions for damage or clearance.

The studio is intended as a creative production space. It is not intended for storage or for retail purposes. Teaching and meeting clients or potential clients is permitted.

Any tenant who fails to pay rent on time, or to use the studio for inappropriate purposes or who is deemed to have behaved anti-socially will be given notice.

Keeping your space
Should you need to vacate your space for a limited time (eg on a travel scholarship), and you’d like to keep your space, we will endeavour to find another applicant to take it on in the interim period. You must contact the Creative Foundation, as we do not allow sub-letting or sharing of space unless there has been a prior agreement: all users of our space must be registered with us.

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Creative Industry Workspace

We also have work space available for people in the creative industries. Whether you are an architect, a multi-media designer, a journalist or a useAbility consultant, if you want to join our burgeoning creative community fill in the relevant section in the studio application form. The terms for Creative Industry Workspace are the same as those for Artists Studios as above.

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Creative Retail space

We currently have over a dozen creative retail units in the Creative Quarter, including several art galleries, designer outlets, specialist boutiques and individual eateries. More properties are coming on stream all the time, both when buildings are refurbished and when existing businesses need to expand to larger premises.

To register your interest with the Creative Foundation please download a retail application form and read the notes below.

How to apply for retail space
Opening a new creative business is a challenging process and we want to help you at every stage of the way. In the first instance all start-up business applicants must visit the Folkestone Enterprise Gateway, where you’ll be guided through the process. Gateway staff can give you a frank opinion on whether the Creative Foundation is right for your business.
If appropriate, this consultation will be followed by a meeting with the Creative Foundation. Although we are happy to talk through any concerns, and questions before this meeting we will not show any space until you have formally applied to us.

There is a waiting list for retail units.
To be placed on the waiting list you must fill out our application form. We will also need to see a business plan outlining how you intend to use the space and giving financial information.

Space allocation
Creative diversity is the key! Your application should stand out and offer the Creative Quarter something different.

Please ensure you furnish us with as much information as possible to support your application.
We aim to offer a great mix of unique retail experiences within the Creative Quarter, and we will consider applications from businesses such as art suppliers and quality food outlets particularly if they have a creative angle. But priority will be give to distinctive galleries and design-led / craft businesses.

Once you have completed your application form please return it by post to:
The Creative Foundation, The Glassworks, Mill Bay, Folkestone, CT20 1JG, marking your envelope 'Retail Application'.

You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt.

It is in the nature of regeneration that getting a building ready takes time and things do not always go to plan. We will aim to keep you informed of progress as your project moves forward.

Lease
Retail space is generally held on a lease, the terms of which are negiotiable. A draft lease will be sent to you before terms are finalised. You will be advised to take legal advice before entering into a lease.

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Live/Work Space:

The Creative Foundation has a limited stock of Live/Work Space which is currently fully occupied. We plan to bring more Live/Work Space on stream in the coming 12 months.

If you are a professional artist currently living outside the area and are seeking joint residential and working space, please download and fill in the studio application form ensuring you complete the relevant Live/Work section.

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