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Malden Downtown Revitalization
Through the Arts
A Survey of Artist Studio Space Needs In Malden
May 10, 2004
A Voluntary Initiative by Malden Citizens
Conducted by
With voluntary help in
proof reading, constructive suggestions and web technical assistance
from
Wesley Kalloch l Paul Knapton l Julia Unggai
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from Sand T, survey conductor
1, The Purpose and the Use of this
Survey
2, Survey Methodology
3, Summary of Findings
4, Details on Who Responded to the Questionnaire
5, Details of Projected Space Needs provided by the Respondents
6, Other Needs Not covered in the Questionnaire
7, Comments and Suggestions by the Respondents on the Subject
Appendix:
Cover letter, Questionnaire, Comments sheet distributed to artists
Letter from Sand T, survey conductor
artSPACE@16
a common ground for art
__________________________________________________________
SandT.artSPACEat16@verizon.net l
www.artSPACEat16.com
May 10, 2004
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I'm delighted to share Revitalizing Malden Square through the Arts: A
SURVEY FOR ARTIST STUDIO SPACE IN MALDEN report with you. This survey
was inspired by my sincere desire to see an artist's community
established in Malden. It was done independently from the City to
identify the needs for artist's studio space in Malden.
My first artist space initiative letter to the Mayor was sent in January 2002, the Mayor expressed his interested. A second letter was sent to the Mayor and c.c'd to StephenWishoski in December 2002. Mayor Howard asked Marketing Director Debbie Burke to call an initial meeting between Stephen Wishoski, Debbie Burke and myself. This meeting was held in January 2003 at the Mayor's Office. The three of us agreed to hold a meeting gettting artists together to hear what they could do to revitalize Malden Square through the Arts. I / artSPACE@16 was delighted to co-organize the February 26, 2003 meeting.
This meeting was well attended by 45 artists who expressed their interest in working with the City. They were interested in low cost combined living and work space and in coordinating public art events and exhibits to create awareness of the city's artists community. Many said that in turn, they would "give back" to the community by offering art classes in their studios and schools in particular. Some planned to open art and craft shops to bring new traffic to Pleasant Street.
The City held their first artist space walk-through in September 2003 at 183 Pleasant Street where IDEAS 5 Artists Studios was created and launched its grand opening on April 13, 2004. The Mayor's Office and the Malden Redevelopment Authority are attempting to determine how best to move ahead with plans for the creation of artist studio and/or live-work space by converting the Sacred Heart Convent in Malden. While waiting and looking forward to the opening of the Sacred Heart Convent artists spaces and other potential buildings on Pleasant Street and around the Malden area, I have designed a survey to identify artist space needs in Malden. This is an attempt to support the City's venture in creating artist's space. By compiling the results of this survey, I'm hoping to consolidate the voices of artists concerning their unmet spatial needs.
Your help is needed in circulating this resource to individuals and/or art organizations that might be interested. Malden is a potential haven that artists might want to consider. Malden is an exceptional choice for those looking to expand the horizons of their art and cultural activities, for those looking for studio or live/work space, and for anyone willing to get involved in this budding art movement in Malden. Malden Center is a 15 -20 minute drive from downtown Boston. The Malden Center Orange Line MBTA stop is a convenient public transit route for those not driving.
Last but not least, I would like to thank you all for your voluntary participation and the effort of three other Malden residents, Wesley Kalloch, Paul Knapton and Julia Unggai have contributed in making this INITIAL SURVEY FOR ARTIST STUDIO SPACE IN MALDEN possible. Your participation in the earliest stages of this study has made a difference in helping the City of Malden in identifying artists space needs.
I strongly encourage you to approach the City on what you can do to play a role in revitalizing Malden Square through the Arts.
To be in touch with the progress of artist studio space in Malden, please visit the City's web site regularly: http://www.ci.malden.ma.us/. Or, contact the City and/or the Malden Redevelopment Authority directly:
Mayor Richard C. Howard
Malden Government Center, 6th floor,
200 Pleasant Street, Malden MA 02148
Ph. 781-397-7000Debbie Burke
Marketing & Communication Director
Malden Government Center, 6th floor,
200 Pleasant Street, Malden MA 02148
Ph. 781-397-7000
Email: dburke@CITYOFMALDEN.ORGStephen Wishoski
Director of the Malden Redevelopment Authority
Malden Government Center, 6th floor,
200 Pleasant Street, Malden MA 02148
ph. 781-324-5720
Email: redauth@aol.com
Your support for the Malden artists' community initiatives is essential
in building a vibrant artist's community in Malden.
With my warmest regards,
Sand T
Director
ArtSPACE@16
1, THE PURPOSE AND THE USE OF THIS SURVEY:
The purpose of this report and compiling the results of this survey is to consolidate the voices of artists concerning their unmet spatial needs for studio space in Malden. This report is intended to be shared with the relevant authorities in the City of Malden to better understand artists space needs while pursuing the creation of artists studio space in Malden.
Together with this report, all completed questionnaire and comments sheets provided by artists/respondents' will be delivered to the City and State Representative Christopher Fallon by Certified Mail on May 11, 2004.
3 copies of this report will be available at their offices at the Malden Government Center:
· Mayor Richard C. Howard
· Stephen Wishoski, Executive Director of the Malden
Redevelopment Authority
· Debbie Burke, Marketing Director at the Mayor's Office. (A
copy of this report, plus all original completed questionnaires and
comments sheets provided by artists/respondents.)
I would like to make these suggestions for the City to consider:
· Please display one copy of this report at the Mayor's Office's waiting area for visitors to learn more about the City's venture of creating artist studio space in Malden.
· The artists communities, community development corporations, not-for-profit arts organizations, commercial developers, property owners, foundations and public agencies who are interested in fostering the creation of space for artists are welcome to obtain a copy of this report from the Mayor's Office. In doing so, they will better understand the basic design guidelines to articulate specific requirements artists need in their space for them to be able to do their work.
This report is announced on artSPACE@16's website: www.artSPACEat16, on the Malden Artists Community page.
A hard copy of this report is displayed at artSPACE@16 located at 16, Princeton, Malden.
A brief announcement will be sent to local newspapers to inform the community-at-large that a PDF copy of this report will be provided upon request by sending email to SandT.artSPACEat16@verizon.net.
2, SURVEY METHODOLOGY
A questionnaire was designed for this survey. See"Questionnaire for Artist Studio Space in Malden" enclosed
This questionnaire is comprised of 10 questions which covered: (1) areas of arts artist/respondent has been involved; (2) type of studio space needed; (3) renting vs. owning; (4) minimum square footage needed; (5) ability to pay; (6) sign a lease vs. tenant-at-will (7) amenities in individual studio space; (8) shared amenities in the building; (9) community features; (10) type of building
There was an open field for respondents to fill in artist space needs that were not cover in this questionnaire. An additional "Comments Sheet" was provided for respondents to contribute their suggestions in regards to the subject matter.
This survey does not cover household incomes, household profiles, artist/respondent's demographics, and artist's current space arrangements.
On March 29 2004, a Call for Participation in the questionnaire for the survey was sent out via regular mail and electronically to identify artist space needs in Malden. The cover letter reported the City's venture of artist space development in Malden. It informed potential participants that this survey is conducted independently from the City and their participation in this survey is strictly voluntary.
This Call for Participation for the
Survey of Artist Studio Space in Malden was distributed in:
· local and Boston areas newspapers
· ArtSPACE@16's Website http://www.artSPACEat16.com/
· ArtSPACE@16's e-mailing lists which includes e-magazines,
newsletters, art magazines, and/or list serves of non-for-profit art
and community organizations.
· Word of mouth.
Those who participated in this survey were asked to complete and return
the questionnaire to Sand T, artSPACE@16, located at 16 Princeton Road,
Malden, MA 02148 by April 20, 2004 - which was approximately a 21 day
time period. After April 20, 2004, additional questionnaires and
comments sheets continued to be received.
3, SUMMARY OF FINDINGS:
A questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was created to help in identifying artist space needs in Malden. Artists/Respondents were encouraged to write down their needs that the Questionnaire didn't include. They were encouraged to contribute their suggestions on this matter using the COMMENTS SHEET provided.
Below is a summary of findings of space needs provided by the
artists/respondents.
25 artists and art related professionals responded to the Questionnaire for the survey. 12 of the 25 are from Malden, the other 13 are from the surrounding communities including Fort Point Artists Community, Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, Arlington, Westboro, South New Bedford.
21 expressed their needs for live/work or work-only studio space in Malden.
4 sent in their valuable comments and suggestions.
TYPE OF WORK:
The artistic disciplines these artists/respondents are involved in range wide in the arts discipline. The highest population (18) of respondents are 18 painters. The second highest in working medium are10 respondents who work in sculpture and photography. Many create other visual art including work in mixed media, theater and performance art. Some perform some type of arts instruction, administration and curatorial. Other are involved in Graphic, Web site, landscape design.
TYPE OF STUDIO SPACE NEEDED:
10 respondents are interested in combined live/work studio space. 8 of them indicate their interests in Work-Only Space. 3 are open either live/work or work-only studio space.
OWNERSHIP OR RENTAL:
10 of the 21 respondents expressed their interests in owning a studio space. 7 of the 21 prefer renting studio space. Some indicate renting with an option to purchase.
10 are interested in owning. No lease needed. For those who are interested in renting, some prefer to sign a lease, others prefer to be in a tenant-at-will status. 6 have no preference as to signing a lease or are in a tenant-at-will arrangement.
STUDIO SPACE SPECIFIC DESIGN ELEMENTS:
The top priority most artists indicate is to have ceiling height in their studio space. Other amenities desired are special ventilation, natural light, utility sink, soundproofing, oversized doors, additional storage, safety and security they needed inside individual studio space.
SHARED AMENITIES IN/OUTSIDE THE BUILDING:
The highest importance is to have parking space outside the building. Respondents also indicated gallery space, laundry area, common area, shared large utility sink, copier, classrooms, retail space, elevator (freight elevator for loading and unloading), dark room and outdoor working area are equally important as shared amenities in and/or outside the building.
COMMUNITY FEATURES:
Safety and security is the highest feature respondents indicated.
Transportation, and next, the galleries, parks and recreation, art
supply, book stores, community art center, music stores, and coffee
houses.
BUILDING TYPES:
Majority of the respondents would consider renovated industrial building, adaptive reuse building, and newly construction.
4, DETAILS ON WHO RESPONDED TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE:
25 individuals responded to the Questionnaire for the survey of artist studio space in Malden. 12 out of 25 are from Malden, 13 of 25 are from Boston areas included Fort Point Artists Community, Jamaica Plain and neighboring cities including Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, Arlington, Westboro, South New Bedford.
21 artists are looking for potential live/work or work-only space in Malden.
4 respondents sent in their constructive suggestions and comments.
The working mediums these artists/respondents employed are in more that
one medium.
· Painting / 2d Work: Print
Making > 18
· Sculpture / 3D Work / Installation Art > 10
· Photography > 10
· Mixed Media > 6
· Performance: Music, Dance, Poetry Reading, Song Writing > 4
· Curator > 2
· Graphic Designer > 2
· Web Site Designer > 2
· Art Faculty > 2
· Public Art > 2
· Gallery Director/Owner > 1
· Artisan > 1
· Landscape Designer > 1
· Art Administrator > 1
· Social Worker > 1
5, DETAILS OF PROJECTED SPACE NEEDS PROVIDED BY THE RESPONDENTS:
· ARTISTS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR LIVE/WORK SPACE > 10
· ARTISTS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR WORK-ONLY SPACE > 8
· EITHER LIVE/WORK OR WORK SPACE > 3
Are they interested in renting or owning?
· owning > 10
· renting > 7
· either, not sure > 4
Square footage of live/work space artists are looking for range from:
· 300 - 600 > 3
· 700 - 800 > 3
· 1,000 - 1,500 > 4
· 2,000 > 1
· 2,500 > 1
· 3,500 > 1
The minimum square footage necessary for work-only space range from:
· 100 - 300 >5
· 400 > 3
· 600 >1
· 1,000 >1
· 1,500 >1
How much would artists be willing to
pay (per month) for renting a work-only space?
· $100 - $150 > 4
· $300 - $350 > 2
· $1,000 > 1
· $1 per sq. ft > 1
· open > 4
· Space NOT needed full-time, only needed for performances >
1
How much would artists be willing to pay (per month) for renting a live/work space?
· $300 - $400 > 1
· $700 > 1
· $800 - $900 > 3
· $1,200 > 2
· open > 2
Prefer to sign a lease, or tenant-at-will status?
· Interested in owning. No
lease needed. > 10
· No preference, not sure. > 6
· Sign a lease. > 3
· Tenant-at-will. > 2
Which of the following amenities do you need in your studio space?
Ceiling height > 13
Special ventilation > 12
Utility sink > 12
Soundproofing > 10
Additional storage > 9
Natural light > 8
elevator & freight elevator > 6
Oversized doors > 5
High speed data lines > 3
High voltage outlets > 3
Wheelchair accessibility > 3
High-load bearing floors > 2
Large windows > 2
Security and safety > 2
loading dock with ramps > 1
private studio space w/ walls and door > 1
Lots of wall space > 1
Large kiln > 1
Floor at grade level > 1
Sprung floors - for dance > 0
Shared amenities outside individual studio, in and/or outside of the
building:
Parking space > 17
Gallery space > 13
Laundry area > 11
Common area > 9
Shared large utility sink > 9
Copier > 7
Classrooms > 5
Retail space > 5
Outdoor work area > 5
Dark room > 4
Rooftop garden plots for each space > 3
Green space > 3
Conference room > 2
Performance space > 1
Office space > 1
Community features:
Safety and security > 15
Transportation >13
Galleries > 9
Parks and recreation > 9
Art supply > 7
Book stores > 7
Community Art Center > 7
Music stores > 5
coffee house > 5
groceries > 3
Good schools > 2
close to the T stops > 2
taverns > 1
restaurant > 1
10. What types of buildings would you
be interested in:
Renovated industrial building >19
Adaptive reuse building >18
New construction >12
Historic restoration >10
6, Other needs the artists would like the City and the MRA to consider which are not covered in the Questionnaire:
Suggestion by Soh H. Tan Kalloch, Malden:
· Create spaces that are permanently dedicated to the artists or
art-related professionals through lease restrictions.
· To form a core group of professionals to conduct more studies
in order to bring this creative venture to the next level.
· Open a full-time staffed Artist Space Initiative Department at
the Malden Redevelopment Authority to provide technical assistance,
information and advocacy in fostering this creative venture.
· Offer workshops to first time artist space buyers.
· Collaborate with local banks to offer special equity loan to
first time artist space buyers.
· Form a panel of peers in reviewing applicant's artistic
credentials of meeting the qualification of purchasing artist live/work
space.
· Create some kind of artists or artisan certification
· Basic Design guidelines for artist studio space: look into
minimum square footage for work-only studio and live/work space,
natural light, ventilation, sound proofing, parking space, loading and
freight elevator access.
Suggestions by Robin Shores, Boston 02205 MA:
· Boston BRA has a RESTRICTED INCOME category at the Midway
Live/Work Studio Project. The floor plans, rates and qualifications are
now available @ www.fortpointdc.com
(fortpointdc.com and fortpointculturalcoalition.org.
For more information, please contact Midway Studios at (617)
388-5919.Midway Studios is part of Beacon Capital Partners' larger
Channel Center development. For information about Channel Center,
please see the Channel Center website at channel-center.com.)
Suggestions by Jay Reed, Fort Point
artists Community, Boston.
· A realistic assessment of what prices artists can afford,
consider lifetime leases, 20-year isn't long enough. Most artists can
afford $6-$7 per Sq. ft to rent, or equal to $50 -$75 per Sq. ft to buy
with 2% - 3% down. Higher costs that this and you end up with trust
fund artists or artists that have to work a day job all the time to
make ends meet. Finally, limited equity is a good solution for artist's
spaces.
Suggestions by Stephanie Stigliano, Malden.
· Would like to sell her work out of her studio directly to
collectors.
· The City might want to consider sponsoring open studios events
twice a year. Most artists sell from their studios at those times.
· Issue half hour stickers for visitors so they could use the
nearby parking lot.
· Safety and security are extremely important. A buzzer system
with codes to punch in at the entrance of the building.
"I want to thank everyone at the Malden Redevelopment Authority for
giving the artists in Malden the creative space they need. It's just
wonderful. In comparison the artists Medford had offered to buy an
artists space but the Councilors voted against selling the space they
wanted. This is a very sad commentary for a group of artists who are
talented and dedicated to their art. I'm not currently in need of a
space but I know a photographer and artists in Medford who do need
space. "
- Karen A. Wheelock, Malden
"Having a common space for Malden artists is crucial in order for it to mature into a community. Unlike most professions, the creative arts require an intimate setting in order to flourish. Cohabitation enables artists to work together like a unit thereby serving the City of Malden at a professional level."
- Thomas Schorn, Malden
" I think the class room idea is lovely. It would be an incentive for
to me not have to work a 60-70 hour per week for a market value loft
and instead use that time to share with my community, i.e. CLASSES.
I've always felt that kids and their education are where the money
should go. If I'm being supported I can support, I return with free
classes, after school program, basic drawing, painting, intro. To art
history etc. whatever I can share to help them realize that art is a
vital part of culture. So, a class room would be great, it's a great
way to support the community which is supporting me."
- Gina Heeren, Somerville.
"The initial survey regarding the artist's need for workspace by Sand T
is very important to assist others in understanding and knowing the
artist' needs for space to produce their artwork. Because each artist
works in different mediums this should yield different needs.
I hope the result of this initial survey becomes a stepping stone for the building owner to come forward and initiate a workspace for the art community as soon as possible. The art community will help to rejuvenate Malden Center and the Malden residents and the resident nearby will benefit from this as well as the business owner.
I hope an effort like this will get more support from the artists as well as from the City of Malden, Councilors and the politicians."
- Julia Unggai, Malden
"I am a Curator at a non-profit photography gallery in Boston. I
currently live in Cambridge, but would like to offer my support for a
burgeoning arts scene in Malden. As each new gentrified community seems
to push artists farther out; there is an increasing need for support.
(Medford recently voted down an arts center sponsored by the city; and
even Somerville is becoming the next Cambridge.) City support, in the
form of housing options as well as concrete revitalization plans, would
make Malden a new hot spot for the arts.
I would encourage the city to support not just studio space, but a broad commitment to all arts people. I as a curator, for example, would not necessarily qualify to have a studio under Boston's codes (as I am not a working artist under their conditions), but would be interested in a loft space. I would encourage the city to target all arts professionals (teachers, curators, educators, museum professionals) that produce a non-tangible art-related product. This is equally a part of cultural capital on par with artwork production.
Malden's downtown could be greatly enhanced by a variety of initiatives that would attract artists as well as a broader cultural crowd. Old warehouses converted to live-work spaces could enliven the district by bringing people and commerce to the area. Coffeehouses, restaurants, and taverns would hopefully follow and plans to that effect would likely draw even more people. Such a proposal would be mutually beneficial. The city would see increased revenue as well as quality of life from the influx, while the artists would enjoy lower living costs and the knowledge that their community is supportive-priceless indeed."
- Leslie K Brown, Curator of Boston Photography Resource Center.
"I would need to see the place, and know the price before I can make a final decision."
- Stephanie Mahan Stigliano, Malden
Appendix:
Cover letter, Questionnaire,
and Comments sheet distributed to artists
AN INITIAL SURVEY
FOR ARTIST STUDIO SPACE IN MALDEN
Date: March 29, 2004
To: ARTISTS-AT-LARGE
Sand T, director of artSPACE@16 is soliciting you to determine the
needs of those who would consider having studio space in Malden.
Recently, the City of Malden has expressed interest in developing a
partnership with the artist community. The Mayor’s Office and the
Malden Redevelopment Authority are attempting to determine how best to
move ahead with plans for the creation of artist studio and/or
live-work space.
This questionnaire is created to ascertain what artist’s require for their studio space. If you are interested in the possibility of having studio space in Malden, please fill in the questionnaire. Even if you’re not looking for a studio space at this time, you’re welcome to contribute your ideas on the subject using the COMMENTS sheet.
All completed questionnaire MUST be received by Tuesday April 20, 2004. Please drop-off or mail your completed questionnaire to:
Sand T
artSPACE@16
16 Princeton Road
Malden, MA 02148
Please be informed that this survey is being conducted independently
from the City of Malden. Participation in this survey is strictly
voluntary and results will be compiled and shared with the arts
community and the relevant authorities in the City of Malden (The
Mayor’s Office, Malden Redevelopment Authority, local councilors,
etc.). By compiling the results of this survey, Sand T is hoping to
consolidate the voices of artists concerning their unmet spatial needs.
Thank you in advance for your participation and the voluntary effort three other Malden residents have contributed in making this INITIAL SURVEY FOR ARTIST STUDIO SPACE IN MALDEN possible. To learn more, please visit “Malden Artists Community” page on website: www.artSPACEat16.com.
A SURVEY FOR ARTIST STUDIO SPACE IN MALDEN, MA
The purpose of this survey is to identify the need for artist’s studio space in Malden.
NAME : ___________________________________________________________
ADDRESS : ________________________________________________________
PHONE : __________________________________________________________
E-MAIL :__________________________________________________________
WEBSITE (if any):__________________________________________________
1. In what area(s) of the arts are you involved?
Painting / 2d work
Sculpture / 3D work
Mixed media
Photography
Performance
Other: ___________________________________________________________
2. What type of studio space do you
need?
Work-Only Space
Live/Work Space
3. Are you interested in renting or
owning?
___________________________________________________________
4. What is the minimum square footage
necessary?
____________________________________________________________
5. How much would you be willing to
pay (per month) for renting a studio space?
_____________________________________________________________
6. Do you need to sign a lease, or
would you prefer tenant-at-will status?
______________________________________________________________
7. Which of the following amenities
do you need in your studio space?
Natural light
Ceiling height
Special ventilation
Additional storage
Soundproofing
Utility sink
Oversized doors
High speed data lines
high voltage outlets
Wheelchair accessibility
High-load bearing floors
Sprung floors - important for dance
Other: ___________________________________________________________
8. How about some shared amenities to
consider:
Copier
Large size utility sink
Gallery space
Dark room
Classrooms
Retail space
Conference room
common area
Laundry area
Outdoor work area
Parking space
Other: ___________________________________________________________
9. Community features:
Safety
Transportation
Parks and recreation
Art supply
Music
Book stores
Galleries
Community Art Center
Good schools
Other: ___________________________________________________________
10. What types of buildings would you
be interested in:
Renovated industrial building
Adaptive reuse building
Historic restoration
New construction
Other: ___________________________________________________________
11. Any other needs you would like
the City and the MRA to consider which is not covered by this survey.
Please specify:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Additional comments:
If you’re not looking for an artist studio space but would like to
contribute your ideas on the subject, please use this COMMENTS sheet.
Please print clearly. Thank you.
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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