ArtsBuild is launching an initiative which could result in community-revitalizing, low-income housing for local artists. Partnering with Minneapolis-based Artspace, ArtsBuild will conduct an online survey of artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses in the Chattanooga area to determine the nature of the local market for a mixed-use project.
The Artspace survey will be launched during a free public event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on March 25 at the Church on Main, 1601 Rossville Ave. The event is open to all; artists, directors of arts organizations, and creative businesses are especially encouraged to attend.
Artspace, the nation’s leading developer for the arts, will use the information from the survey to identify the types and number of spaces needed by Chattanooga artists and the amenities and special features that are of interest to them. The results of the survey will enable Artspace to determine the size of the market in Chattanooga for affordable live/work artist housing and studio space.
The survey is the second phase in a scope of work that began in September when a team from Artspace conducted a preliminary feasibility visit in Chattanooga. If the online survey identifies a viable market for an Artspace project and the community decides to proceed, survey results will inform both the project concept and site selection. Survey responses will also impact specific design and programmatic decisions such as square footage, parking spaces, types of shared creative spaces to include, rents, etc. Artists who take the survey will have the option of being among the first to be informed of project developments, including leasing opportunities.
The Chattanooga Artspace project is supported by Lyndhurst Foundation and Benwood Foundation.
Additional information about the survey is available at www.ChattanoogaArtspace.org and on Facebook.
“The Chattanooga Artspace Survey is an important step for our arts community, and we encourage our arts and creative community to participate,” remarked Dan Bowers, president of ArtsBuild. “Artspace has an amazing track record developing affordable artist housing, studios and office space across the country, and we are excited to partner with them on a local project.”