Benchmarking study of membership cost / benefits.
Gillian Cook, Glasgow Print Studio, 25th
May 2010

Overview
This benchmarking study reviews the membership structure of 28 print
studios in Scotland, the rest of the UK, Ireland, the United States and
Canada. The findings are based on desk research using the information on
the print studio websites.
Aims & objectives
The study aims to identify any gaps in the benefits Glasgow Print Studio
offers its members in comparison with other print workshops and any
discrepancies in pricing.
2

Print Studios
Scotland
- 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 3

Print Studios
England
- 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 Studios
United States
- Anchor Graphics, Columbia College, Chicago
Canada
- Open Studio
5

Opening hours
• During week
The 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. 6

Opening hours
• Weekends
Again 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).
7

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.
8

How to apply to become a member
Scottish 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’.
9

English 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.
10

Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-op - application form.
Leicester Print Workshop - application form plus an induction course for
all including experienced printmakers.
Ireland Print Studios
Black 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.
11

Ireland Print Studios
Black 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.
Canada
Open 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.
12

Paying for induction sessions
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).
13

Membership Options
All 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 Cost
Full Concession Frequency
Glasgow £85.00 £42.50 Annual
Edinburgh £60.00 £35.00 Annual
Highland £35.00 £25.00 Annual
DCA (registration fee) £40.35 £20.20 Annual
14

Membership Options
The availability of concessions varies by print studio in the rest of the UK.
Northern Print Studio £50.00 £25.00 Annual
London Print Studio £30.00 £24.00 Annual
East London P’makers £30.00 £15.00 Annual
Artichoke £100.00 n/a Annual
Inky Cuttlefish session fees only listed on website
Ochre Print Studios £35.00 n/a Annual
Spike Print Studio £517 n/a Annual
(Keyholder: experienced printmakers)
John Howard session fees only
Oxford Printmakers £456 (£38 per month) Annual
Double Elephant £240 (£20 per month) Annual
15

Membership Options
Cuckoo Farm Studios n/a
Gloucestershire Co-Op £480 (£40 per month) Annual
Leicester £45 n/a Annual
West Yorkshire £41.50 Annual
Hot Bed Press £50.00 £35.00 Annual
(Print Membership)
Red Hot Press £75.00 £65.00 Annual (Sept.)
16

Membership Options
Welsh Print Studios
Swansea Print W’shop £60.00 n/a Annual
Aberystwyth £20.00 £10.00 Annual
Northern Irish Print Studios
Belfast Print W’shop n/a n/a
Seacourt Print W’shop £300.00 Annual
(Keyholder)
17

Membership Options
Irish Print Studios
The availability of concessions varies by print studio.
Cork Printmakers €400 n/a Annual
(Keyholder)
Black Church Print €520 n/a Annual
US Print Studios
Anchor Graphics session fees only
18

Membership Options
Canadian Print Studios
Open Studio $30 Annual
Note: need to have rented a studio for a minimum of 6 months before application
for membership can be considered.
19

Membership Benefits
Membership benefits vary by studio. Benefits not listed for Highland
Print Studio or DCA Print Studio online.
Membership Benefits
Glasgow Print Studio Edinburgh Printmakers
1. 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 Studios
Membership benefits vary by studio. Benefits not listed for Ochre Print
Studio or Inky Cuttlefish online. (Benefits listed are for full
membership).
Membership Benefits
Northern Print Studio London 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. 21

Membership Benefits
UK Print Studios
Membership benefits vary by studio. Benefits not listed for Ochre P S
or Inky Cuttlefish online. (Benefits listed are for full membership).
Membership Benefits
Artichoke
Printmaking Studio
Spike 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.
22

Membership Benefits
UK Print Studios
Membership Benefits
Double 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.
23

Membership Benefits
UK Print Studios
Membership Benefits
Gloucestershire Printmaking
Co-Op
Leicester Print Workshop
West Yorkshire Print
Workshop
1. 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
24

Membership Benefits
UK Print Studios
Membership Benefits
Hot Bed Press Printmakers
Studio
Red Hot Press Belfast Print Workshop
1. Print Membership – access to
workshop 5 days per week during
open access times.
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.
25

Membership Benefits
Other Print Studios
Membership Benefits
Cork 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.
26

Session Fees
Session 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/a
27

Session Fees
Edinburgh 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 Fees
UK Print Studios
The 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
29

Session Fees
UK Print Studios
Some also charge additional fees for equipment.
Session Fees
East 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.
30

Session Fees
UK Print Studios
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 £32.00
31

Session Fees
UK Print Studios
No registration or membership fee applies to use John Howard Print
Studio; session fees only.
Session Fees
John Howard Print
Studio
Oxford 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
32

Session Fees
UK Print Studios
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.
33

Session Fees
UK Print Studios
Session Fees
West Yorkshire Print
Workshop
Hot Bed Press
Printmakers Studio
Keyholder
Membership
£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
Keyholder
Membership
No session fees
34

Session Fees
UK Print Studios
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
35

Session Fees
International Print Studios
The trend with the international studios is for daily or weekly usage
fees.
Session Fees
Cork Printmakers Anchor
Graphics
Associate
Accesses 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 $5.00
36

Session Fees
The 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
37

Visitor / Out of Town user rates
Some 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 Rates
Glasgow 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
38

UK Print Studios
London 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 Rates London 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.
39

UK Print Studios
Double 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
40

Friends’ Schemes
None of the 4 Scottish print studios reviewed in this research offer a
Friends Scheme.
UK Print Studios
Friends 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 Scheme
1. 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.
41

Friends’ Schemes
UK 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.
4. Inclusion on website Members
Gallery.
42

Friends’ Schemes
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.
43

44
Summary
Opening hours
The 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 process
The 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 formal
processes: a portfolio and an interview. This may be driven by the number of applications for
membership; Spike Print Studio mentions a waiting list for membership on its website.
Induction sessions
Some studios charge for their induction sessions which seems unfair as the induction is a key
part of becoming a member and being able to use the Studio safely.
Membership pricing
Glasgow Print Studio’s topline fee for full membership is more expensive in comparison to
13 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.

45
Summary
Membership Pricing (contd)
Full membership Annual session fees Total
Glasgow Print Studio: £85.00 £155 £240
Edinburgh Printmakers £60.00 £137.50 (x4 instalments) £550*
Highland Print Studio £35.00 £144 £179
DCA 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,
making
direct 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

46
Summary
Differences in Membership Benefits
The 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 rates
All Scottish studios offer this and a few in the rest of the UK. GPS is the most expensive
in Scotland although choice may be determined by other factors e.g. the cost and
availability of accommodation in the local area.

4747
Summary
Friends Scheme
The 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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