Applying for a Studio
Marchwell Studios will provide affordable, high-quality workspace for a diverse range of artists and makers, supporting both established and emerging creative practitioners. To ensure Studios are allocated fairly, transparently and in a way that supports the vision of Marchwell Studios as a thriving creative community, applications will be assessed through a selection process.
The selection panel will include Tim Sandys-Renton, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art and Programme Coordinator at the University of Chichester, and Liz Woodsell, CEO of CCDT. Two additional creative practitioners will also join the panel, bringing a broader range of creative experience and perspectives.
Applicants will be invited to tell us about their creative practice, their plans for using the studio and how a dedicated workspace would support the development of their work. We will also consider how applicants might contribute to the wider creative community at Marchwell Studios, Graylingwell Park and Chichester, through collaboration, skills sharing and engagement with others.
Selection Process
Selection will consider:
- the quality, commitment and development of the applicant’s creative practice;
- how access to studio space would support their current work and future development;
- the suitability of their practice for the available space and facilities;
- their interest in participating in a shared creative community;
- their potential contribution to the wider creative and cultural life of Marchwell Studios and the local area;
- the extent to which access to affordable studio space would benefit their practice;
- achieving a diverse and complementary mix of creative practices and makers across the studios.
We will welcome applications from artists and makers at all stages of their careers, including those who are developing their practice and may not previously have had access to dedicated studio space. Applicants are not required to have an established reputation, formal qualifications or an extensive exhibition history.
The selection process will include an application form and a conversation. Decisions will be based on the overall suitability of the application for the available studio space and the aims of Marchwell Studios. Artistic style, medium or commercial success will not, in themselves, determine selection.
The selection panel will seek to ensure equal opportunities and encourage applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds, disciplines and experiences.
Key Dates
9 September – Studio Open Day
9 October – Application Forms Available
9 November – Closing Date for Applications
16 – 23 November – Selection Process
30 November – Issue First Round Offers
Subject to change
Proposed Pricing
To position Marchwell Studios appropriately within the regional market, the proposed pricing model is designed to sit just below the mid-market range. This reflects the expectation that tenants will undertake their own internal fit-out and the creatives this project would like to engage with. The approach balances affordability for artists and makers with the need for the studios to operate sustainably. All tenants will be responsible for their own utility costs, with each studio individually metered. Licence fees will be reviewed annually and adjusted in line with CPI where appropriate to support the long-term sustainability of the studios. Licences can be offered on an initial 12-month term.
CCDT will retain responsibility for the management and maintenance of the building and will operate the studios as part of Marchwell Studios, a creative workspace designed to support emerging artists, makers and creative businesses. Studio licence fees will contribute towards the costs of operating and maintaining the building, including management, maintenance, insurance, and business rates. Any surplus generated through Marchwell Studios will be reinvested into the operation of the studios and CCDT’s wider charitable activities, helping to deliver community benefit across Chichester. Some operating costs, including business rates, are currently being finalised and therefore the proposed licence fees should be considered indicative at this stage. Final rates will be confirmed to potential hirers once known.
Studio Fit-Out Costs
The indicative fit-out package for each unit will include:
- LED downlighters: 2, 4 or 8, depending on the size of the unit
- Power sockets: 2, 4 or 8, depending on the size of the unit
- Plastering
- One mist coat and two full coats of emulsion to walls and ceilings
- Two coats of paint to joinery
- Vinyl or carpet tile flooring
The fit-out costs are approximate and based on the floor area (m²) of each unit. Each hirer will need to confirm the final specification and cost directly with the appointed contractor before the works are undertaken.
Water supply and sinks: Water will be supplied to each unit, allowing a sink to be installed if required. The cost of supplying and installing the sink and associated fittings is not included in the indicative fit-out costs, as each unit may require a different type of sink.
If you would like to apply for a Studio or have Frequently Asked Questions, please click on the links below.