FAQs
General.
How do I get involved?
You need to be 18+ to volunteer/use our studio facilities, however anyone under the age of 18 can still get involved through our public facing gallery.
Our studio space is closed to the public, however if you are interested in paying us a visit, we offer 2 free sessions to our studio base on Park Road to ensure that the service is right for you before you sign up to something that you may not use.
Get in touch through our contact us page to ask any questions or book your visit to our studio facilities now.
What information do you require?
If you are a volunteer, member, staff, or stockist we will store information such as personal and contact details, social workers/support services, medical conditions and any health risks (to fully support your needs), NI number for training purposes, banking information (if relevant), equality and diversity information and anything else that will help us support you fully.
You can request to see your details at any time from the Project Manager.
What happens to my personal data?
We are registered under the General Data Protection Regulation 2018. We take our responsibility for looking after your personal information very seriously.
For security reasons you must agree to us taking a digital photograph of you to use on our membership database. You are responsible for telling us about any changes to your personal information such as contact details or change of address etc.
Do we work with children?
We are primarily an adult mental health charity so our main focus is on providing a service to our 18+ service users during our Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm working hours. We often work with children in our outreach program that can be tailored to your specific needs and often hold evening and weekend workshops that are open to all ages unless otherwise stated.
How often are your facilities open?
Our studio premises is only closed weekends and bank holidays. We many need to change our opening hours or the facilities available at the studio, for example for cleaning, refurbishment, repairs or for special sessions. Where possible, we will notify through the appropriate channels if we are planning to do this.
Our gallery is purely ran by volunteers so there may be changes to opening times if there is no other alternative. We will notify where possible of any changes to our gallery opening times.
We appreciate your understanding and support on this.
Memberships.
Can I spread the cost of my membership?
Yes of course! We understand that not everyone has disposable income, and this should never be a barrier to using services that benefit your health. We want your experience to be tailored to your needs so speak to our Project Manager to arrange a payment plan to suit you. This can include payments on a monthly or weekly basis or invoicing someone else like an appointee.
Can my partner join on my membership?
No. Your partner will need their own membership tailored to their needs.
I am a carer, can I accompany the individual?
Yes of course! We are inclusive of all at Artrium and if you require the support of a carer that is absolutely fine.
We can also provide a qualified person to assist if needed. Please ask the Project Lead for more information on this.
What happens if I change my mind after signing up?
We always urge you to use your two free session vouchers before signing up. If you do sign up and then decide against it you must give us written notice within 48 hours of signing the agreement form.
When does a membership start and how long does it last?
Your membership lasts 12 months from the date of signing up with us. If your membership is paid in installments, it will start from the date of your first payment, the last installment must be within a 6 month time frame.
What if fees change during my membership?
As long as your membership with us is active, your membership fees will stay the same. We will only increase your membership fees if we have no other alternative, we will not ask you for further fees once you have paid until your renewal is due. We will give you written notice of any changes to prices in advance.
Can I put my membership on hold?
We can put your membership on hold for 3 - 12 months for a medical reason that stops you from accessing our premises for that time. We will require proof such as a doctor's certificate.
We will add any periods your membership has been on hold to the end of your annual term. Your renewal date will change but you will still get a full 12 months active membership.
Can Artrium cancel my membership?
We will cancel your membership with immediate effect if you seriously or repeatedly
break the terms and conditions of our code of conduct you sign
put the health, safety or wellbeing of our staff or members at risk
use inappropriate language or behaviour to any other person in the studio
engage in disruptive or violent behaviour
fail to pay your daily fees 4 times in succession
steal or abuse any of the facilities provided by us
provoke conflict between members
bring into the premises or use in the premises alcohol or non-prescribed drugs (or be under the influence of either)
If we cancel your membership, we cannot refund your membership fees for the rest your term with us. We have the right to cancel any membership at any time with appropriate notification.
What do I need to know about paying my membership fee?
Annual membership fees must be paid in full within 6 months of agreeing to join. Failure to do so will cancel your membership and any fees already paid cannot be refunded. Your membership gives you the right to attend Artrium on whatever day you wish and as many times as you wish (respective of your personal package).
An additional daily session fee must be paid by Basic Package members. This entitles you to a full day (7 hours) in the studio. Membership and daily fees goes towards general costs such as electricity, communication, domestic products and administration, any costs incurred by the use of certain art materials should be paid direct to Artrium staff.
How do I renew my annual membership?
If you want to continue your membership after the first year, you will need to pay your membership fees on or before your renewal date. You will receive a letter from us a month before renewal is due. However, please keep a copy of your membership agreement as it will indicate your renewal date.
Where appropriate, we can help arrange meetings with social workers to ensure your package is still suitable to your needs and renewal of membership fees are paid appropriately.
Can I end my membership early?
You may only end your membership early after you have been a member for more than six months. A pro rata refund (per full month) will be repaid minus a 10% admin fee. Alternatively, you can cancel if you move out of the area or due to a medical condition that stops you attending. We will need to see proof of circumstances with your written notice.
Volunteering.
How do I get involved?
There are loads of different ways you can get involved in the charity and 2 different bases to work from, however you do need to be 18+ to volunteer.
If you’re interested in any capacity get in touch with the Project Manager, and book a time to pop along for a chat over a cuppa, a tour and volunteer application.
I’m interested in volunteering but have restricted time. Is this okay?
Yes of course! We value every second that our volunteers can give, if it wasn’t for our team, we wouldn’t have been able to keep running for 20 years. Whatever time you can give is valuable, please have a chat to our Project Lead to see where you can fit in.
Do you do work experience placements?
Yes we do. We work with colleges, DWP and Princes Trust for placements, can be over our 2 bases and in different areas. Have a chat to our Project Manager for how we can help you meet your Work Experience goals.
I’m not artistic, can I still volunteer?
Everyone is creative in their own way but you don’t need to be artistic to volunteer. We have volunteers who are IT technicians, admin assistants, customer service support, have a background in law, care work and may just want to learn some new skills along the way.
Do you provide training?
Yes we do. We provide on the job training along with accredited training to all of our volunteers. We require all volunteers to have Mental Health Awareness, Safeguarding Adults and Autism Awareness training which is fully funded by the charity. We also regularly hold other training that will be useful to the role such as customer service, dementia awareness, first aid and health and safety.
Do I need a DBS check?
As a volunteer you will need to have an enhanced DBS check to ensure our members are cared for safely. The charity will organise this upon your recruitment.
What is the procedure for applying to be a volunteer?
If you are interested in being a volunteer, fill out an application form and sent it to the Project Manager based in the Park Road studio.
You will then be invited to an interview generally with a trustee and the Project Manager, giving you the chance to talk more about why you want to volunteer, what you can bring to the team and show us your portfolio of work (if applicable). It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the charity on a whole or the role of volunteer.
If you are successful in your interview you will be invited along to an induction to the charity, meet the rest of the team and the members (service users) and set days to regularly attend. You will also be enrolled on training and your DBS application.
What will I get out of volunteering?
We will support you in reaching your personal goals, however there are loads of different things you can get out of volunteering. These include:
skill development
personal fulfilment
skill development
networking and connections
personal growth and self discovery
increased empathy and understanding
building positive reputation
learning about social issues
career exploration and development
improved wellbeing
Stocking with us.
Do I need to be a member to stock with you in the gallery?
No you don’t. Although members do enjoy certain benefits, we welcome all artists who wish to stock their work with us. All we ask is that you get in touch with some examples of your work.
Get in touch through our contact us page or pop into our gallery in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.
Do you take a percentage of sales?
Yes we do. We take a small percentage of each sale as a contribution to the charity. By selling through us, you are supporting a local mental health charity.
What types of art can I submit?
We accept all types of art, of all topics and currently stock:
digital art
paintings
pottery
prints
t-shirts/clothing
homewares
jewellery
photography
sculpture
textile based art
paper based crafts
I am part of a group can we exhibit as a group?
Yes of course. We welcome groups as well as individuals and are proud to be a gallery that is welcoming to all abilities and artforms.
When do I get paid if my work sells?
If your work is part of an exhibition and is sold, we will reserve that piece until after the exhibition ends, with a small non-refundable deposit taken on the day. If your work is just part of our rotating stock then you will be paid the following month in your preferred method. This will be agreed with you upon submitting your work. It is your responsibility to notify the relevant people of any income you may receive through selling with us.
Can I just exhibit my work and not sell?
Absolutely. There is no pressure to sell work through us as we like to be able to support everyone we can. If you are interested in exhibiting your work please get in touch with us to find out availability.
Is your gallery accessible?
Yes it is. We strive to ensure that all of our premises are accessible to everyone.
How often do you rotate stock?
We try to rotate stock on a monthly basis, or as and when required. Things like seasons, and events may mean that some work is put into storage until a more appropriate time.
How long can I stock with you for?
As long you want. We currently have 52 sellers, so we will rotate stock to ensure everyone has some work out on the shop floor at any given time; however, if you bring in a large amount of stock, we can’t guarantee that it will all be out at the same time.