Frequently asked questions
Join us
An introduction to Artelier
Artelier membership
Q: What is Artelier?
A: Artelier is a website which allows professional artists from around the world to exchange studios (and, if desired accommodation), usually at the same time, for an agreed period. This enables both parties to the exchange to have rent-free studio (and perhaps accommodation) during the exchange. Your exchange partner may live across the country or across the world. Your studios may be similar in size and type or totally different, and the equipment you can use at each other's studios may differ a lot as well - all that matters is that you are both happy with the exchange arrangements you have agreed before the exchange takes place.
Each exchange is unique; a relationship of trust should develop as you get to know your exchange partner through messaging on the site, email and phone calls (once you decide to release your personal contact information to your trusted user list).
Artelier is run by Artquest, providing critical debate and practical support for London's professional visual artists and craftspeople. More information can be found on the Artquest website - a free to access site with no login required.
Back to the top
Q: Can anyone join Artelier?
A: No. We have created Artelier for use only by artists, so users need to be invited either by another user or one of our partners before they can join. This is to make sure the service remains only for artists, and also to provide some safety for people going on exchange.
If your studio (and accommodation, if this is offered) is rented, check first for permission from your landlord or studio association.
Back to the top
Q: Why do I have to be invited to join?
A: An 'open' system unfortunately may attract some people who are not well motivated to spend the time and care that's needed to arrange a trouble-free home swap. Artelier members want to be contacted by others who, by including their own exchange offers on the site, demonstrate a genuine interest in arranging exchanges. It is also reassuring to be able to view all exchange listings in full on the website before responding to offers. Importantly, for added security, Artelier does not publish complete address details, leaving it up to the exchangers to communicate this with any potential swappers when they feel close to an exchange. Many free-to-list sites publish addresses on the internet for anyone to browse. Artelier offers a more secure set-up, thus greater peace of mind.
Invitations ensure that only artists will be invited to join by other artists, and means each and every member has been 'vouched for' by at least one other member or a trusted partner.
Back to the top
Q: Why should I join Artelier?
A: Artelier has many benefits for members. Members can visit other areas of the world and have free accommodation or studio space, which would be useful if you have an exhibition elsewhere and need a place to make some work temporarily. Artistic practice can flourish in new ways when exposed to other environments, and unexpected friendships can make your work move in different directions. The benefits to artists of networking has long been known: Artelier, for the first time, allows these networks to take part both on- and off-line, backing up Internet based communications with face to face meetings and collaborations.
Back to the top
Q: How does the site work?
A: Each member of the site has their own individual profile that can be updated at any time and with whatever information you wish. We've also found that profiles with images of the studio and / or apartment to be exchanged have a higher success rate than those without, so you can add some pictures of your studio as well.
After you've joined, you can browse or search all the other profiles on the site, either on a map of the world to choose where you want to go, or by any other criteria you need to know - disabled access, specialist facilities, whether the studio is shared or smoking is allowed.
Once you've found a studio you want to swap with, you can contact the member securely through the Artelier site, and decide for yourself when you want to give out your private contact information. Once you have negotiated your exchange and are completely happy, you can put the dates you want to exchange into the site and you will receive a special agreement, sent to you and your exchange partner, outlining your responsibilities and other useful points to be aware of.
Back to the top
Q: I don't live in an area with many artists - rural or city. Is it still possible to join Artelier?
A: Yes. Do not assume that, just because you live in the countryside or in a city without many artists that no-one will want to exchange with you. Many artists from busy areas will relish the opportunity to stay in a quieter or more isolated area for a while.
Back to the top
Q: What if I am not looking for an exchange right now?
A: Each member of Artelier can set their user status to one of three options: 'Looking for exchange'; 'Just browsing'; or 'User on exchange'. When you are on exchange, the site will automatically display your status as 'User on exchange' and change this back to the previous status once the date for the end of the exchange has passed. You can change between any of these options at any time in your user options pages to indicate what you are looking for.
Only members of Artelier can see other profiles, and even if you are not actively looking for an exchange you may find someone online who you might exchange with in the future, so it's worth joining up anyway.
Back to the top
Q: How can I view only the most recent listings?
A: The most recent listings of potential interest to you will be listed in the Home section of your profile each time you log in. This section lets you know any recent activity relevant to your options. So, if you have a studio in Rotterdam and are looking to exchange to New York, and a new member joins with a New York apartment looking to exchange with Rotterdam, the site will highlight this profile as of particular interest.
Back to the top
Q: Who should I inform about any forthcoming studio exchange?
A: It's certainly a very good idea to let your studio neighbours know if you are organising an exchange so they are not surprised to see a new face working in your studio. This is especially important if you share a space, in which case it's vital to discuss the exchange with your studio partners and ensure they are OK with this BEFORE you go about arranging anything. Likewise it would be wise to let your studio manager know that you are planning to do this.
Similarly, if you live in rented accommodation it would be best to discuss the situation with your landlord and any flatmates. It may not always be appropriate or possible for you to swap accommodation and studio space, and in fact, it may not be necessary. Please consider all of the implications relating to an exchange
Back to the top
Q: What do Partners do?
A: Partner organisations are a very important part of the Artelier project. Artelier is run by Artquest, a primarily London-based arts organisation. As such, it has a low profile around the world but an extensive London and UK network of artists that we can tell about the project and invite on to the site.
Our international Partner organisations also have access to extensive local networks wherever they happen to be in the world - we have partners in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India and China, to name a few - and are important in spreading the word about Artelier to artists that they know.
Each Partner gets a special profile on our Partners page that they can update whenever they choose - they can use their page to access the international network of artists on Artelier to find people to do residencies or exhibit in their galleries. Partnership is free.
All we ask in return is that our Partners invite as many artists as they know - wherever they are in the world - on to the site and respond to requests for invitations when they come through from artists they know.
If your organisation is interested in finding our more about becoming a Partner, please contact Russell Martin at artelier@artquest.org.uk.
Back to the top
Q: How safe is my personal information?
A: Artquest takes your personal safety very seriously, and this is reflected in the way in which we protect your personal information.
When you enter your studio address, the map on your profile will only show an approximation of your location to ensure you cannot be physically traced without your permission. Your email address and telephone numbers are, by default, not visible.
At any time, you can choose to make your exact location or contact details visible to selected or all members, and you can change it back again whenever you like as well.
For full information, see our privacy policy.
Back to the top
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Artelier is a free service to members, and no-one should ask you for money before sending an invitation. If a user solicits payment before allowing you to join, please report them to us at artelier@artquest.org.uk. We may, in the future, add premium services which users can choose to join if they wish, and for which there would be a fee.
Back to the top
Q: How do I join?
A: In order to keep Artelier safe and only for artists, joining is by invitation only. You can be invited in two ways:
Complete your profile, giving an appealing (but honest) description of your studio, home (if available), facilities and local attractions. Submit your completed profile form. Your listing will be checked by our administrators and added to the website within 2 working days.
You will have access to your own private member area where you can add photos (jpeg / gif files) to your listing, browse listings and start contacting other members with your exchange offer.
Back to the top
Q: Can I add photos to my listing?
A: Yes. Your photos should show your studio and accommodation (if this is available) rather than your work, as potential exchange partners will be more interested in what facilities you have and what is available rather than your work. Artelier is not designed as a portfolio website for artists to display their work - instead, you could try Fifzine or Axis.
If you have digital images, edit them if needed, save as jpeg / gif files and store in a folder on your computer (remember what you called them and where you put them!). Pictures will be automatically re-sized once uploaded but should be at least 400 pixels in height to minimise loss of quality. Log on to your profile and click the link Edit Images in the My Profile section of the site, near the top left of the screen. Follow the instructions to find, upload and add a title for your photos, one at a time, from your computer. You will see the photos appear in the boxes on the page when uploaded. You can rearrange your photos by dragging them with your mouse to the order you like - this is saved automatically.
When finished, click any other menu item to continue using the site.
Back to the top
Q: Will my exchange offer be available only to other members of Artelier?
A: Yes. Artelier is a members-only website and only existing members can view or respond to members adverts.
Back to the top
Q: What are the limitations on the number of exchanges I can do?
A: The only limitations are that the site will not allow you to arrange an exchange which overlaps an exchange you have already agreed - you can arrange as many exchanges as you like. Some members arrange short breaks close to home as well as longer exchanges abroad. You may also change any information you want in your own profile listing at any time.
Back to the top
Q: If I receive many enquiries do I respond only to those that interest me?
A: Please reply to all enquiries, even if it is just a short note of regret that you cannot take up the exchange offer at this time. This is just courteous and allows members to get on with pursuing other exchange possibilities.
Back to the top
- What is Artelier?
- Can anyone join Artelier?
- Why do I have to be invited to join?
- Why should I join Artelier?
- How does the site work?
- I don't live in an area with many artists - rural or city. Is it still possible to join Artelier?
- What if I'm not looking for an exchange right now?
- How can I view only the most recent listings?
- Who should I inform about any forthcoming studio exchange?
- What do Partners do?
- How safe is my personal information?
Artelier membership
- How much does it cost?
- How do I join?
- Can I add photos to my listing?
- Will my exchange offer be available only to other members of Artelier?
- What are the limitations on the number of exchanges I can do?
- If I receive many enquiries do I respond only to those that interest me?
An introduction to Artelier
Q: What is Artelier?
A: Artelier is a website which allows professional artists from around the world to exchange studios (and, if desired accommodation), usually at the same time, for an agreed period. This enables both parties to the exchange to have rent-free studio (and perhaps accommodation) during the exchange. Your exchange partner may live across the country or across the world. Your studios may be similar in size and type or totally different, and the equipment you can use at each other's studios may differ a lot as well - all that matters is that you are both happy with the exchange arrangements you have agreed before the exchange takes place.
Each exchange is unique; a relationship of trust should develop as you get to know your exchange partner through messaging on the site, email and phone calls (once you decide to release your personal contact information to your trusted user list).
Artelier is run by Artquest, providing critical debate and practical support for London's professional visual artists and craftspeople. More information can be found on the Artquest website - a free to access site with no login required.
Back to the top
Q: Can anyone join Artelier?
A: No. We have created Artelier for use only by artists, so users need to be invited either by another user or one of our partners before they can join. This is to make sure the service remains only for artists, and also to provide some safety for people going on exchange.
If your studio (and accommodation, if this is offered) is rented, check first for permission from your landlord or studio association.
Back to the top
Q: Why do I have to be invited to join?
A: An 'open' system unfortunately may attract some people who are not well motivated to spend the time and care that's needed to arrange a trouble-free home swap. Artelier members want to be contacted by others who, by including their own exchange offers on the site, demonstrate a genuine interest in arranging exchanges. It is also reassuring to be able to view all exchange listings in full on the website before responding to offers. Importantly, for added security, Artelier does not publish complete address details, leaving it up to the exchangers to communicate this with any potential swappers when they feel close to an exchange. Many free-to-list sites publish addresses on the internet for anyone to browse. Artelier offers a more secure set-up, thus greater peace of mind.
Invitations ensure that only artists will be invited to join by other artists, and means each and every member has been 'vouched for' by at least one other member or a trusted partner.
Back to the top
Q: Why should I join Artelier?
A: Artelier has many benefits for members. Members can visit other areas of the world and have free accommodation or studio space, which would be useful if you have an exhibition elsewhere and need a place to make some work temporarily. Artistic practice can flourish in new ways when exposed to other environments, and unexpected friendships can make your work move in different directions. The benefits to artists of networking has long been known: Artelier, for the first time, allows these networks to take part both on- and off-line, backing up Internet based communications with face to face meetings and collaborations.
Back to the top
Q: How does the site work?
A: Each member of the site has their own individual profile that can be updated at any time and with whatever information you wish. We've also found that profiles with images of the studio and / or apartment to be exchanged have a higher success rate than those without, so you can add some pictures of your studio as well.
After you've joined, you can browse or search all the other profiles on the site, either on a map of the world to choose where you want to go, or by any other criteria you need to know - disabled access, specialist facilities, whether the studio is shared or smoking is allowed.
Once you've found a studio you want to swap with, you can contact the member securely through the Artelier site, and decide for yourself when you want to give out your private contact information. Once you have negotiated your exchange and are completely happy, you can put the dates you want to exchange into the site and you will receive a special agreement, sent to you and your exchange partner, outlining your responsibilities and other useful points to be aware of.
Back to the top
Q: I don't live in an area with many artists - rural or city. Is it still possible to join Artelier?
A: Yes. Do not assume that, just because you live in the countryside or in a city without many artists that no-one will want to exchange with you. Many artists from busy areas will relish the opportunity to stay in a quieter or more isolated area for a while.
Back to the top
Q: What if I am not looking for an exchange right now?
A: Each member of Artelier can set their user status to one of three options: 'Looking for exchange'; 'Just browsing'; or 'User on exchange'. When you are on exchange, the site will automatically display your status as 'User on exchange' and change this back to the previous status once the date for the end of the exchange has passed. You can change between any of these options at any time in your user options pages to indicate what you are looking for.
Only members of Artelier can see other profiles, and even if you are not actively looking for an exchange you may find someone online who you might exchange with in the future, so it's worth joining up anyway.
Back to the top
Q: How can I view only the most recent listings?
A: The most recent listings of potential interest to you will be listed in the Home section of your profile each time you log in. This section lets you know any recent activity relevant to your options. So, if you have a studio in Rotterdam and are looking to exchange to New York, and a new member joins with a New York apartment looking to exchange with Rotterdam, the site will highlight this profile as of particular interest.
Back to the top
Q: Who should I inform about any forthcoming studio exchange?
A: It's certainly a very good idea to let your studio neighbours know if you are organising an exchange so they are not surprised to see a new face working in your studio. This is especially important if you share a space, in which case it's vital to discuss the exchange with your studio partners and ensure they are OK with this BEFORE you go about arranging anything. Likewise it would be wise to let your studio manager know that you are planning to do this.
Similarly, if you live in rented accommodation it would be best to discuss the situation with your landlord and any flatmates. It may not always be appropriate or possible for you to swap accommodation and studio space, and in fact, it may not be necessary. Please consider all of the implications relating to an exchange
Back to the top
Q: What do Partners do?
A: Partner organisations are a very important part of the Artelier project. Artelier is run by Artquest, a primarily London-based arts organisation. As such, it has a low profile around the world but an extensive London and UK network of artists that we can tell about the project and invite on to the site.
Our international Partner organisations also have access to extensive local networks wherever they happen to be in the world - we have partners in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India and China, to name a few - and are important in spreading the word about Artelier to artists that they know.
Each Partner gets a special profile on our Partners page that they can update whenever they choose - they can use their page to access the international network of artists on Artelier to find people to do residencies or exhibit in their galleries. Partnership is free.
All we ask in return is that our Partners invite as many artists as they know - wherever they are in the world - on to the site and respond to requests for invitations when they come through from artists they know.
If your organisation is interested in finding our more about becoming a Partner, please contact Russell Martin at artelier@artquest.org.uk.
Back to the top
Q: How safe is my personal information?
A: Artquest takes your personal safety very seriously, and this is reflected in the way in which we protect your personal information.
When you enter your studio address, the map on your profile will only show an approximation of your location to ensure you cannot be physically traced without your permission. Your email address and telephone numbers are, by default, not visible.
At any time, you can choose to make your exact location or contact details visible to selected or all members, and you can change it back again whenever you like as well.
For full information, see our privacy policy.
Back to the top
Artelier membership
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Artelier is a free service to members, and no-one should ask you for money before sending an invitation. If a user solicits payment before allowing you to join, please report them to us at artelier@artquest.org.uk. We may, in the future, add premium services which users can choose to join if they wish, and for which there would be a fee.
Back to the top
Q: How do I join?
A: In order to keep Artelier safe and only for artists, joining is by invitation only. You can be invited in two ways:
- Find a local partner from our partner listing pages who is known to you and ask them to invite you on to the site.
- Accept an invitation from an existing Artelier member known to you, or ask your friends if they are already members.
Complete your profile, giving an appealing (but honest) description of your studio, home (if available), facilities and local attractions. Submit your completed profile form. Your listing will be checked by our administrators and added to the website within 2 working days.
You will have access to your own private member area where you can add photos (jpeg / gif files) to your listing, browse listings and start contacting other members with your exchange offer.
Back to the top
Q: Can I add photos to my listing?
A: Yes. Your photos should show your studio and accommodation (if this is available) rather than your work, as potential exchange partners will be more interested in what facilities you have and what is available rather than your work. Artelier is not designed as a portfolio website for artists to display their work - instead, you could try Fifzine or Axis.
If you have digital images, edit them if needed, save as jpeg / gif files and store in a folder on your computer (remember what you called them and where you put them!). Pictures will be automatically re-sized once uploaded but should be at least 400 pixels in height to minimise loss of quality. Log on to your profile and click the link Edit Images in the My Profile section of the site, near the top left of the screen. Follow the instructions to find, upload and add a title for your photos, one at a time, from your computer. You will see the photos appear in the boxes on the page when uploaded. You can rearrange your photos by dragging them with your mouse to the order you like - this is saved automatically.
When finished, click any other menu item to continue using the site.
Back to the top
Q: Will my exchange offer be available only to other members of Artelier?
A: Yes. Artelier is a members-only website and only existing members can view or respond to members adverts.
Back to the top
Q: What are the limitations on the number of exchanges I can do?
A: The only limitations are that the site will not allow you to arrange an exchange which overlaps an exchange you have already agreed - you can arrange as many exchanges as you like. Some members arrange short breaks close to home as well as longer exchanges abroad. You may also change any information you want in your own profile listing at any time.
Back to the top
Q: If I receive many enquiries do I respond only to those that interest me?
A: Please reply to all enquiries, even if it is just a short note of regret that you cannot take up the exchange offer at this time. This is just courteous and allows members to get on with pursuing other exchange possibilities.
Back to the top
