La Ruche is a large studio and gallery complex that is currently under development by HIVE | T1+2 Gallery in Whitechapel, east London. Opening on the 1st of May 2010, we are currently developing the site, which will incorporate several galleries and exhibition spaces, a canteen and research library, as well as up to 40 studio spaces.
T1+2 Gallery has been running for 7 years as an artist led non-profit organisation, and was relaunched in 2009 as HIVE Projects, working in a number of sites across London. La Ruche is being formed with the objective of providing affordable studios for artists in a centre that offers a supportive network to develop artistic practices, and fosters creative engagement through a research library and workshops, talks and events. The canteen will place emphasis on healthy food and an overall sense of community through eating.
The studios will be developed to the requirements of the artists who will be renting them. Accordingly, we would like to rent the spaces to artists who feel they can invest in the community of La Ruche, and who are committed to their practice and critical engagement with work around them. We will have a committee responsible for running the studio spaces, and once the existing spaces have been filled, we will create a waiting list for further available spaces that will be offered to artists whose work fits and is compatible with other artists and the community of La Ruche.
Additional benefits to La Ruche membership will include open studios, and opportunities to be selected for international exchanges and residencies. The studios are conveniently located 1 minute from Aldgate East station by Whitechapel Gallery. Currently, there are a limited number of studio spaces that we would like to fill soon.
The initial viewing will take place from the 20th of April 2010. On this day you will be able to gain an understanding of how the space will be divided. Until then, we are accepting speculative proposals for a space, and thereafter we will be confirming studio occupants and begin building the spaces; studios can be in use from the 1st of May.
The proposed cost of studio space is £8.00 per sq ft per year*. The building will have 24 hour access, CCTV and 24h on site security. This is fully inclusive of business rates and insurance, with additional service and electricity charges. Therefore a studio of 300 sq ft will be £2,400 a year, or approximately £200 per month.
*This price is subject to change dependent on negotiations over business rates and utilities.
Following a successful application for a space in La Ruche we will require a deposit of one month’s rent.
In order to make an application or express an interest in a studio, please complete the application form which can be downloaded on www.t12gallery.com/newsevents. Please e-mail details to: t12gallery@gmail.com by Monday, 12th April 2010.
HIVE Projects | T1+2 Gallery
W: www.t12gallery.com
