Studios & darkroom

Becoming a member at Washington St. involves not only renting a studio space or joining our darkroom, but becoming part of a creative community. Our members interact regularly at the monthly meeting, on organizing committees, and hold critiques, skill-share events, and other endeavors in addition to their own practices. There is a working darkroom in the building, access to which can be rented separately from or in addition to studio space. We also have a gallery in which members can host shows, exhibits, classes, and other events. There are about 15-20 members at any given time. All members are given a key and have 24-hour access to the building. Rent is inclusive of wifi and all utilities. Studios are work-only.

There is an MBTA bus stop (the 86) across the street and we are located about a 10-minute walk from either the Union Square T-stop or from the intersection of Washington Street and Beacon Street where various other buses pass (83, 85, 87, 91, CT2). There is limited free parking available for members during evening and weekend hours. There are 2-4 steps leading into the building and the second floor is accessible only by stairs (all photo spaces are on the first floor).

We function as a collective, participating in committees to clean and manage the space, plan and advertise events, and fill vacancies. We seek to include members of different backgrounds and our community is enriched by the participation of artists who bring their different identities (race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, age, ability, artistic discipline, life experience, etc.) to the space. We are committed to building a more welcoming environment for artists whose identities may leave them systematically excluded from arts institutions.

current rental openings

Studio members are expected to stay for at least a year, ideally longer. Studio membership costs vary, depending on the preferred space.

We have one art studio space available now. This 1st floor available studio is 170sf for $435/month; it has 2 north-facing windows and one east facing.

Washington St. is a two-story building with no elevator. There is a water dispenser and a kitchenette, restrooms on both levels, and a slop sink on the 2nd floor. Please note, studios may not be used as music practice spaces and our lease does not allow kilns. All studios are work-only.

You may fill out a form expressing interest in becoming a studio member here. Please tell us about yourself and provide a link to your portfolio, including examples of your current work and your interest in participating in our creative co-op. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, when we have openings.

DARKROOM MEMBERS

Darkroom memberships are $89/month, with the expectation that members will stay at least a year, ideally longer. We have a shared one-person b/w darkroom and a second “dry” photo room, both on the first floor of our building and right off the gallery. To apply, please fill out this form. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, when we have openings.