Guildhall Taphouse Studios
Guildhall Taphouse Studios is a new artist studio space opened in late 2025. Our aim is to offer affordable workspaces to artists at all stages of their careers who are seriously engaged in the visual arts.
We have an online application form for artists to apply for studios, asking for basic information and a few questions about your work and needs. Before applying, please read our FAQs below.
Applications are now closed, and opportunities for a studio space will be published via our mailing list, which you can sign up to here.
Guildhall Taphouse Studios FAQs
Background
Guildhall Taphouse Studios is a new artist studio space set to open later this year. Our aim is to offer affordable workspaces to artists at all stages of their careers who are seriously engaged in the visual arts. The studios are being established under the umbrella of Creative Village Arts (CVA), the legal entity responsible for holding the lease and currently managing a similar space on Bishop Street.
CVA was founded in 2012 as an artist-led organisation dedicated to promoting studio provision and supporting artist-led initiatives in the Derry area. We successfully secured £150,000 in funding from ACNI/ILEX to refurbish a derelict Inner City Trust building, which became home to five studios and the Derry Print Workshop.
The Pump Street building was designed, developed and completed within a year. The studios were quickly occupied, and the Derry Print Workshop moved into what remains its permanent home. After our five-year commitment to managing the Pump Street site ended, we had to seek new premises due to rising rents and other costs.
At the same time, another group of artists lost their studios following the closure of a commercial studio operation. We joined forces and, after many site visits, opened Bishop Street Studios above Henderson’s Music on Pump Street. That space has been running successfully for over a decade.
With new artists looking for spaces we have teamed up, and now have secured Guildhall taphouse for a new studio to operate alongside Bishop St - albeit perhaps with a slightly different flavour. Both studios are part of the same organisation and we aim for lots of cross over between them to expand the network of artists in the town.
What kind of ‘organisation’ are you?
We are a limited company with full charitable status. The organisation is overseen by a board of three directors and a management committee. We have no paid staff — all administrative, financial, legal, and maintenance responsibilities are carried out by volunteers, typically the artists who use the studios.
Our sole focus is on providing and managing studio spaces.
While our members often organise exhibitions, workshops, and commissions, CVA itself is not directly involved in creating these activities. That said, we do our best to support and enable any artistic activity happening in the area or by any artist in the studios.
How are you funded?
We do not receive (nor do we apply for) any ongoing public funding. Our rent and other operating costs must be covered by studio rental income. We deem this to be the most sustainable, independent model. It means we run a very tight ship financially and like many arts organisations, we’re used to working creatively with limited resources.
We also have a short (1year) lease - the bottom line for all studio operations like ourselves is that we have to accept short leases as in return we negotiate much lower rent agreements than would be normal for a commercial business - we really appreciate landlords, like Guildhall taphouse, who are prepared to even enter into the conversation. We very much hope that a successful partnership between the studios and the Taphouse will allow us to continue our residency for the foreseeable future - but we do need to be aware that this is a balance we have to strike. Any changes will be well publicised and discussed within the studios - all such issues are in the public domain. Just for interest, we have been on a similar arrangement with the landlords of Bishop St for 10 years with only one change in rent.
We plan to apply for some small amounts of capital funding to make some essential improvements to the Taphouse Studios (such as partitions and a sink). However, if that funding doesn’t come through, we’ll find a way to make it work.
We’re also happy to offer guidance and support to artists applying for their own grants or commissions — for example, by offering invoicing support — but this is offered on a voluntary, case-by-case basis and not part of our core operations.
We are also very thankful for any donations of old equipment, furnishings, materials etc - as said we are a working artist studio and can “make do and mend”.
How much are the studios?
Studio prices vary depending on the size and type of space. A full list of available spaces is attached.
As a guide:
Is there 24/7 access?
Not currently. Access will be limited to the opening hours of the Taphouse Bar, as we share a common entrance. For now, this means access from 10am to midnight, seven days a week.
We are actively exploring ways to extend access in the future, but at present we cannot take on the responsibility of securing the shared space outside of bar hours.
How involved are artists in running the studios?
The studios are entirely volunteer-run by the artists themselves. We encourage all studio holders to fully embrace the collective ethos – this means not only benefiting from the community and resources, but also contributing to the running of the space.
We don’t have cleaners, receptionists or admin staff. If things need moved, set-up, events run etc - we the members of the studio just have to do it (or rustle up volunteers) - that level of taking on some of the responsibilities is a must for prospective studio holders.
Studio holders take on roles such as Studio Manager or Finance Lead – just artists doing their bit to keep things running, it's tiresome, but it's essential. We welcome new members bringing their own skills and enthusiasm.
Studio holders are expected to:
In the case of these new studios, there are still plenty of decisions to be made about the space usage etc - shaping that future will be a major role for all new artists coming into the space.
What types of artists can apply?
The studios are designed for artists who are serious about making work and developing their practice. We welcome applications from people over 18 at all career stages – from students and emerging artists to established professionals.
We do our best to keep things flexible and accessible and only one month’s notice is required if leaving. We remain very conscious of the financial realities.
Please note:
Why just Visual Artists?
Basically we are a Visual Arts group, and that is where our experience and ‘expertise’ lands - we have run/managed visual arts studios/facilities for 10 years now and understand the legal, logistical and financial aspects associated with this art form - be that how funding works for visual arts projects to provision of the appropriate first aid, fire storage equipment etc etc.
We know that there is a big demand across the wider arts community for spaces, in many different art forms, but as a small group, completely volunteer run, and with limited spaces we think it's ambitious enough to try to create a few more visual arts spaces, while making sure we compliment what's already available and avoid confusion of cross over.
We have worked with and assisted other organisations, and while we welcome every opportunity to collaborate and widen our own horizons, practicalities mean we have to keep things manageable.
How will you engage with the local artistic community?
We plan to hold open events (like tonight’s) - we’re planning another for interested artists later this month. We’re also looking to expand our social media presence and build stronger connections with other arts organisations, all with the aim of supporting individual artists.
Many of the events planned will be open to all artists, not just those in the studios.
What’s the application process for a studio?
We will have an online application form, asking for basic information and a few questions about your work and needs. Artists are also welcome to visit and see the space in person.
Studio offers will be made based on:
Who picks who gets a studio?
We follow a procedure that outlines the process - but in summary a group of three members will be appointed (usually 2 from the studio in question and 1 external) and they will assess applications scoring them on ‘Need-Art-Ethos’. The goal being to prioritise; those who most need a space for their work and career, those working in an artform or art experience that will compliment the existing studios and finally those who will join the co-operative environment and contribute to the development of the studios.
All studio holders will be reviewed after an initial 3 months to ensure there are no issues on either side.
In the interests of the common good, we reserve the right to ask studio holders to vacate in the case of disturbance, etc. This is not a right we have ever had to exercise but we need this provision to ensure the maintenance of a good working environment.
Do you offer any funding or grants?
No, we don’t provide funding or grants.
I belong to an Art Organisation. How can I help?
We will welcome support from all art organisations, and we hope in return we might be able to return the favour in future. But in the short term - we are keen to get the news out to all sections of the community. We will be engaging with the normal outlets but we are very aware that its the Art Organisations that have the contacts with the people out there trying to make a go of it in the real world and spreading the information about the studios so that we get the news to anyone who may be interested is the major ask at this time.
We will also welcome any advice, suggestions or comments about the studios and their function.
I may not want to rent a studio but can I be involved?
Certainly - we hope that the studios will be a resource that lots of non studio holders will be able to access - be that coming to a chat group, a seminar, presentation etc. and if you are able to support us by taking on a Directors role, or an admin role, help source desks, materials, anything really, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Unanswered questions?
Please feel free to email us at [email protected].
Background
Guildhall Taphouse Studios is a new artist studio space set to open later this year. Our aim is to offer affordable workspaces to artists at all stages of their careers who are seriously engaged in the visual arts. The studios are being established under the umbrella of Creative Village Arts (CVA), the legal entity responsible for holding the lease and currently managing a similar space on Bishop Street.
CVA was founded in 2012 as an artist-led organisation dedicated to promoting studio provision and supporting artist-led initiatives in the Derry area. We successfully secured £150,000 in funding from ACNI/ILEX to refurbish a derelict Inner City Trust building, which became home to five studios and the Derry Print Workshop.
The Pump Street building was designed, developed and completed within a year. The studios were quickly occupied, and the Derry Print Workshop moved into what remains its permanent home. After our five-year commitment to managing the Pump Street site ended, we had to seek new premises due to rising rents and other costs.
At the same time, another group of artists lost their studios following the closure of a commercial studio operation. We joined forces and, after many site visits, opened Bishop Street Studios above Henderson’s Music on Pump Street. That space has been running successfully for over a decade.
With new artists looking for spaces we have teamed up, and now have secured Guildhall taphouse for a new studio to operate alongside Bishop St - albeit perhaps with a slightly different flavour. Both studios are part of the same organisation and we aim for lots of cross over between them to expand the network of artists in the town.
What kind of ‘organisation’ are you?
We are a limited company with full charitable status. The organisation is overseen by a board of three directors and a management committee. We have no paid staff — all administrative, financial, legal, and maintenance responsibilities are carried out by volunteers, typically the artists who use the studios.
Our sole focus is on providing and managing studio spaces.
While our members often organise exhibitions, workshops, and commissions, CVA itself is not directly involved in creating these activities. That said, we do our best to support and enable any artistic activity happening in the area or by any artist in the studios.
How are you funded?
We do not receive (nor do we apply for) any ongoing public funding. Our rent and other operating costs must be covered by studio rental income. We deem this to be the most sustainable, independent model. It means we run a very tight ship financially and like many arts organisations, we’re used to working creatively with limited resources.
We also have a short (1year) lease - the bottom line for all studio operations like ourselves is that we have to accept short leases as in return we negotiate much lower rent agreements than would be normal for a commercial business - we really appreciate landlords, like Guildhall taphouse, who are prepared to even enter into the conversation. We very much hope that a successful partnership between the studios and the Taphouse will allow us to continue our residency for the foreseeable future - but we do need to be aware that this is a balance we have to strike. Any changes will be well publicised and discussed within the studios - all such issues are in the public domain. Just for interest, we have been on a similar arrangement with the landlords of Bishop St for 10 years with only one change in rent.
We plan to apply for some small amounts of capital funding to make some essential improvements to the Taphouse Studios (such as partitions and a sink). However, if that funding doesn’t come through, we’ll find a way to make it work.
We’re also happy to offer guidance and support to artists applying for their own grants or commissions — for example, by offering invoicing support — but this is offered on a voluntary, case-by-case basis and not part of our core operations.
We are also very thankful for any donations of old equipment, furnishings, materials etc - as said we are a working artist studio and can “make do and mend”.
How much are the studios?
Studio prices vary depending on the size and type of space. A full list of available spaces is attached.
As a guide:
- Our most expensive studio will be £125/month – a spacious, well-lit, lockable room.
- Our cheapest space is £50/month – a smaller space in a shared area.
- Other spaces fall somewhere in between, depending on size and layout.
Is there 24/7 access?
Not currently. Access will be limited to the opening hours of the Taphouse Bar, as we share a common entrance. For now, this means access from 10am to midnight, seven days a week.
We are actively exploring ways to extend access in the future, but at present we cannot take on the responsibility of securing the shared space outside of bar hours.
How involved are artists in running the studios?
The studios are entirely volunteer-run by the artists themselves. We encourage all studio holders to fully embrace the collective ethos – this means not only benefiting from the community and resources, but also contributing to the running of the space.
We don’t have cleaners, receptionists or admin staff. If things need moved, set-up, events run etc - we the members of the studio just have to do it (or rustle up volunteers) - that level of taking on some of the responsibilities is a must for prospective studio holders.
Studio holders take on roles such as Studio Manager or Finance Lead – just artists doing their bit to keep things running, it's tiresome, but it's essential. We welcome new members bringing their own skills and enthusiasm.
Studio holders are expected to:
- Help with day-to-day responsibilities.
- Vote on decisions and policies.
- Stand for board or committee positions, if interested.
In the case of these new studios, there are still plenty of decisions to be made about the space usage etc - shaping that future will be a major role for all new artists coming into the space.
What types of artists can apply?
The studios are designed for artists who are serious about making work and developing their practice. We welcome applications from people over 18 at all career stages – from students and emerging artists to established professionals.
We do our best to keep things flexible and accessible and only one month’s notice is required if leaving. We remain very conscious of the financial realities.
Please note:
- Not all artforms are suitable for this space due to practical limitations (e.g., noise, fumes, dust). For instance, kilns and certain industrial processes cannot be permitted. However, we do our best to accommodate a wide range of experimental practices — and we certainly understand mess!
- We would have an ambition to host visiting artists and be able to arrange short-term studio space for projects when available
- Due to our charitable status, studios cannot be used as retail spaces, nor can they serve as business or postal addresses. Private sales by artists are of course fine, but the studios are not for commercial retail.
Why just Visual Artists?
Basically we are a Visual Arts group, and that is where our experience and ‘expertise’ lands - we have run/managed visual arts studios/facilities for 10 years now and understand the legal, logistical and financial aspects associated with this art form - be that how funding works for visual arts projects to provision of the appropriate first aid, fire storage equipment etc etc.
We know that there is a big demand across the wider arts community for spaces, in many different art forms, but as a small group, completely volunteer run, and with limited spaces we think it's ambitious enough to try to create a few more visual arts spaces, while making sure we compliment what's already available and avoid confusion of cross over.
We have worked with and assisted other organisations, and while we welcome every opportunity to collaborate and widen our own horizons, practicalities mean we have to keep things manageable.
How will you engage with the local artistic community?
We plan to hold open events (like tonight’s) - we’re planning another for interested artists later this month. We’re also looking to expand our social media presence and build stronger connections with other arts organisations, all with the aim of supporting individual artists.
Many of the events planned will be open to all artists, not just those in the studios.
What’s the application process for a studio?
We will have an online application form, asking for basic information and a few questions about your work and needs. Artists are also welcome to visit and see the space in person.
Studio offers will be made based on:
- Agreement with the basic studio terms (paying rent on time, respectful use of the space, etc).
- Assessment of need (e.g. does the artist currently lack a suitable workspace?).
- The artist’s potential contribution to the quality and diversity of practices in the studio.
- The mutual benefit to both the artist and the studio community.
Who picks who gets a studio?
We follow a procedure that outlines the process - but in summary a group of three members will be appointed (usually 2 from the studio in question and 1 external) and they will assess applications scoring them on ‘Need-Art-Ethos’. The goal being to prioritise; those who most need a space for their work and career, those working in an artform or art experience that will compliment the existing studios and finally those who will join the co-operative environment and contribute to the development of the studios.
All studio holders will be reviewed after an initial 3 months to ensure there are no issues on either side.
In the interests of the common good, we reserve the right to ask studio holders to vacate in the case of disturbance, etc. This is not a right we have ever had to exercise but we need this provision to ensure the maintenance of a good working environment.
Do you offer any funding or grants?
No, we don’t provide funding or grants.
I belong to an Art Organisation. How can I help?
We will welcome support from all art organisations, and we hope in return we might be able to return the favour in future. But in the short term - we are keen to get the news out to all sections of the community. We will be engaging with the normal outlets but we are very aware that its the Art Organisations that have the contacts with the people out there trying to make a go of it in the real world and spreading the information about the studios so that we get the news to anyone who may be interested is the major ask at this time.
We will also welcome any advice, suggestions or comments about the studios and their function.
I may not want to rent a studio but can I be involved?
Certainly - we hope that the studios will be a resource that lots of non studio holders will be able to access - be that coming to a chat group, a seminar, presentation etc. and if you are able to support us by taking on a Directors role, or an admin role, help source desks, materials, anything really, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Unanswered questions?
Please feel free to email us at [email protected].
