Studio Sanct aims to challenge the traditional approach to curating a studio by creating sustainable, non-commercial spaces for artists in Manchester city centre.

Our initiative provides a three-phase plan to establish collectives that offer prominent and dynamic spaces for artistic practice, independent of the pressures of commercial sales. By addressing the gap between BA graduates and MA programs due to increasing financial and institutional barriers, Studio Sanct offers an innovative middle ground for emerging artists to sustain and grow their practice.

3. The Three-Phase Plan:

Phase 1: Establishing Artist Collectives

• Identify and secure affordable spaces through partnerships with property owners, local councils, and arts organizations.

• Form a structured membership model where artists contribute collectively to rent and maintenance, ensuring accessibility.

• Create an internal governance structure to maintain the ethos of non-commercial sustainability.

Phase 2: Developing Multi-Use Art Spaces

• Adapt spaces to support a range of artistic practices, from fine art to interdisciplinary projects.

• Provide resources such as shared tools, exhibition spaces, and community engagement programs.

• Implement a rolling residency model to offer short-term studio access for new graduates.

Phase 3: Long-Term Sustainability & Expansion

• Seek funding through grants, sponsorships, and cultural initiatives.

• Collaborate with universities and institutions to offer alternative career pathways beyond the MA.

• Develop a replicable model that can be expanded into other cities with similar challenges.

1. Business Vision & Objectives:

• To create accessible, non-commercial art spaces in Manchester city centre.

• To provide a structured three-phase plan supporting artist collectives.

• To address the scarcity of affordable, inclusive studio spaces for graduates and returning artists.

• To ensure that artistic practice can thrive outside of traditional academic and commercial frameworks.

2. Market Analysis:

• Current Landscape: While some studio spaces exist, they are often expensive and selective, alienating many emerging artists.

• Problem Statement: A decade of underfunding has widened the gap between BA and MA students, forcing many to either discontinue their practice or seek further costly education.

• Opportunity: The rise in private tattoo studios post-2020 indicates a shift in how artists view creative spaces, demonstrating the potential for alternative models.