Describe the artist studios and arts organization offices in terms of square footage, location in the building, access, and ceiling height. Space and design plans have not yet been finalized; however, the Arts Council has requested a variety of square footage for artist studios and arts organization offices, ranging from 95 to 760 square feet. In addition, the Arts Council has requested studios be placed on exterior walls with natural light and close access to water. Ceiling heights are to be determined.
Will the current resident artists be guaranteed a space at the new location, and will studio and office rental rates be comparable to the current facility? The Howard County Arts Council’s Center Committee is responsible for making policy recommendations regarding the Arts Council’s Resident Studio Artist, Resident Arts Organization, and Arts Advancement Organization (AAO) programs to the Howard County Arts Council Board of Directors. The HCAC Center Committee will review current rental rates before making increases. Any increases will be reasonable and measured against current market rates. Resident artists and arts organizations will be notified of any increases before leases are issued.
Will the resident artists have moving help? To be determined.
UPDATE: Do the windows open in the proposed artist studios? Opening/closing the windows will not be possible. Manual and motorized shades are being provided on many of these windows.
UPDATE: Will the studio rental rate be reduced as the studio spaces do not provide the same amenities as those at 8510 High Ridge Rd? No. In FY25, the Arts Council instituted the first rental rate increase in several years and anticipates a slight increase in rental rates while continuing to provide affordable space for artists.
In the AAPI space, there is a community space. Is it possible to create something similar for artists? Currently, the Arts Council’s priorities are to ensure that we have equivalent space at the Historic Courthouse to accommodate our current level of studio, classroom, theatre, gallery, and meeting spaces. As the design team works through more specifics, they may find spaces that work well for that kind of functionality, and it is great to know it is something the artists would like.
UPDATE: Is there going to be a ventilation system in each studio? No, there will not be a system in each studio. The ventilation system has been designed to meet the current local code requirements for Art Studios and Art Classrooms. Accordingly, fresh outside air will constantly be cycled into each of the studios throughout the day.
UPDATE: Will there be sinks in the studios?Yes, there will be stainless steel utility sinks in each of the artists’ studios.
Will there be 24/7 access? To be determined, however, we have requested 24/7 access.
Will there be additional storage space for artists? At this time, there are no discussions about additional storage for artists outside their studios. Our priorities are to ensure that we have equivalent space at the Historic Courthouse to accommodate our current level of studio, classroom, theatre, gallery, and meeting spaces.
How will the Arts Council assign studios to existing Resident artists? Can you please describe the process? In April 2024, the Center Committee will begin developing policies and procedures to facilitate the relocation process, including assigning studios at the Courthouse to existing Residents. Residents received a survey in February 2024 to provide input on the criteria that they feel are important for the Center Committee to consider when developing the process. The success of the Resident program is due in large part to the thoughtful work of the Center Committee, a standing Board Committee responsible for putting guidelines and policies in place to evaluate studio space applications and for selecting excellent artists and groups for the program. The Committee is made up of Board and non-board members from the community with diverse expertise and experiences in the arts and includes a representative from the Resident artists and a representative from the Resident arts organizations. Through the Committee’s thoughtful and deliberate selection process, we currently have an incredibly diverse and vibrant group of artists and arts organizations in residence. The Committee will be equally thoughtful in developing a process to place artists and arts organizations in residence at the Courthouse.
UPDATE: Will there be varied rents for different studios? The Arts Council anticipates a slight increase in the Resident rental rate while continuing to provide affordable space for artists. Any increase will be set by the Center Committee and reviewed annually. The rental rate per square foot will be the same for all studios at the Courthouse. However, the new studios will vary in size and therefore, the rent associated with each space will vary based on the size of the specific studio. In FY25 the Resident rental rate is $9.50 per square foot per year for residents of Howard County and $11.50 per square foot per year for out of county residents.
Will there be a term on our leases? Yes, all Resident leases will be executed for a specific term. This is the current practice for the Resident program, and we do not anticipate it changing.
Are there any plans that offer added facilities for the use of resident artists in the building like a printmaking studio or a tech lab etc.? No, there are no plans to provide any added facilities such as a printmaking studio at the Courthouse. The current plans include 2 galleries, a black box theatre, a dance studio, a multipurpose meeting space, 3 classrooms, 17 visual artist studios, 3 organizational offices, and HCAC offices.
Can the ceilings in the artist studios and gallery be opened to increase height? We anticipate the design will remove drop ceilings from all studios and the galleries to obtain as much height as possible, paint exposed items above ceiling line for an “industrial” feel and try to layout any new ductwork so that is has the least impact for tall art pieces.
What type of flooring will be in the artist studios? New, easy to clean, durable Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring will be installed in the artist studios.
What kind of lighting will be in the artist studios? Can lights be dimmable and color corrective? It is unlikely that the studios will have light dimmers, however it is possible that the light bulbs will be color corrective. More will be shared when we have exact specs. We do not anticipate zoned lighting in the studios
Will each studio have individual thermostats? We are anticipating thermostat “zones” for several studios together instead of individual studios.
UPDATE: Will each wall of each studio be equipped with power outlets? Yes, the walls of each of the studios will include a power outlet.
Will the shelving remain in the judges chambers? No. They will be removed, and room layouts will be reconfigured to maximize square footage.
Will there be new skylights or windows added to the exterior of the artist studios? No.
Will there be a new freight elevator or will the size of the existing elevators change? No.