Partner Qualifications DRAFT – 1/3/2025
Partnership rates are $125/month for membership, and $2.50/square foot for studio space ($250/mo for 10’ x 10’ space, for example).
To be considered for partnership, the applicant must submit the application form found here: Application for Partnership, and provide information such as experience, job history, qualifications and references.
Preference is given to partners engaged in small business ventures, startups, incubator projects and supporting professional work, work as an artist, although this is not a strict requirement. This may include teaching and instruction for fee.
All prospective partners must be approved by review, preferably in-person, by the Partnership Committee which shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. In the absence of a Partnership Committee, the Board will make this determination.
All partners must make a one-time, non-refundable donation of a dollar value equivalent of at least $1500 upon acceptance, in cash or equipment, the value agreed on by the Board of Directors. This is a personal investment in the setup and continuing operation of the shop. This is not considered a “share”, since ownership shareholders are prohibited in the qualification laws of a 501c3 non-profit organization. In the case of equipment, a partner may “buy back” a donation in cash at a later time based on a written proposal and fair market value agreed on by the Board. This requirement may be waived or modified at the request of the partner, on demonstration of financial need, to be determined by the Board.
Partners commit to a one-year membership, payable on the first of each month. A 30 day notice must precede termination of the membership.
A security deposit of one month’s membership must be paid at the start of the partner’s term. This will be refunded at the end of the membership term, provided the member has given 30 days notice and left their space broom-clean. Any expenses incurred for disposal or cleaning will be deducted from that refund.
Partners must commit, in writing, to giving back to the operation of the shop, whether in maintenance, donations of materials or equipment, or activities like teaching and sharing time and information. This is monitored by the Board of Directors and will be reviewed with the partner periodically. Failing to do so may result in termination of partnership, or additional fees.
The Board of Directors is made up of 3 partners who are elected by the partnership, and serve in staggered terms of two years each. There is no Director, and all 3 partners hold equal weight in all votes.
All finances are available for review by any partners, at their request to the Board, in an open meeting scheduled at the earliest convenience. The Board is responsible for making any and all financial decisions.