Krowji is Cornish for workshop or shed. We are proud to be the largest creative hub in Cornwall. We are a studio provider with almost 130 spaces for artists, designers, makers and creative businesses. We host annual Open Studios events where visitors can view our tenants work in their studios. The café and meeting rooms are open to the public, however the studios are private workspaces for our tenants and their clients.
Find more answers to our FAQs by clicking the categories below.
Am I eligible for a studio at Krowji?
Krowji welcomes applications from those working in the creative industries:
Visual Art, Crafts, Product Design , Graphic Design, Fashion Design & Architecture, Film, Television, Video, Radio & Photography, Advertising, Marketing, Publishing & Literature, IT, Software and Computer Services, Cultural Heritage, Museums, Galleries and Libraries, Music & Performing Arts
Are there any creative practices you can’t cater for?
There are some practices we are unable to accommodate due to studio limitations. We don’t currently have any spaces which are suitable for musicians or theatre practitioners who need to perform or rehearse, due to noise disruptions.We have a limited number of spaces suitable for noisy or dusty practices that involve use of power tools, such as woodwork or metalwork.
We do have some parameters set by our sources of funding as an arts organisation and are unable to accommodate those practices with creative elements that do not fall within the outlined criteria, these include:
Nail Art, Body Art, Tattoo Art or Piercing, Soap making, Holistic therapies, Massage, Taxidermy, Furniture Upcycling & Repurposing, Floristry, Wedding Planning.
Can I come and see the spaces?
As our studios aren’t open to the public the best time to see them is during our Summer Open Studios event, and our Christmas Open Studios event in Nov/Dec. Studio viewings prior to submitting an application are subject to availability – please email [email protected]
How can I get an application pack?
You can download the application pack here or email us to request a copy [email protected]
How long does the application process take?
We aim to notify people within 1-2 weeks.
What can I do if my application is rejected?
If your application doesn’t meet our criteria we will do our best to advise you as to the next step to take – this may include applying to alternative studios that can cater better for your needs or seeking further professional development support.
How soon will I get a studio?
This can be difficult to predict and is dependent on the type of space you require e.g. small self-contained spaces are in high demand and tend not to become available as often as others. We operate mostly at around full capacity, with over 120 spaces.
How does the waiting list work?
We keep a waiting list of people who have successfully completed the application process and contact those highest on the list as and when a suitable space comes up to arrange a viewing. Current tenants are given first priority.
I’ve been allocated a studio! What next?
We will ask you to pay a deposit of a month’s rent to secure the space as yours. This is held until the end of your tenancy. We will then email you with all the information you need and arrange a convenient date to come and sign the paperwork and pick up the keys to your new studio.
How much do the studios cost?
The rents vary according to the quality of space and across our different buildings. Rental rates are lower over a certain size bracket.
What does the rent include?
Many of our older studios are priced to include the cost of water and electricity, whilst other studios – including all those in the Percy Williams Building – have their own electricity and water meters. In this case tenants are invoiced quarterly according to their consumption.
How long do I have to keep the studio?
Tenants are only required to give 1 months’ notice.
Will my rent increase after a certain time?
We carry out annual rent reviews which take effect from the start of each tax year, 1st April.
What about insurance?
Krowji insures the building and all communal areas whilst tenants are responsible for their own studios, contents, public liability etc. Many tenants choose to subscribe to a-n for public liability arrangements. If you wish we can refer you to our broker for advice.
Can I make changes to my space?
Yes, you are very welcome to make the space your own. We only ask that you run your ideas past us first (if you’d like to do more than just paint the walls) and ensure that the space can be returned to its original state at the end of your tenancy.
Can I share my space?
Studio sharers will need to go through the application process and joint tenancy arrangements will need to be discussed with us. If you decide to give up your space the lease will not automatically transfer to your studio share.
Can I sublet my studio?
In common with most other studio complexes, we are willing to consider requests for short-term sub-lets if a tenant is going to be away temporarily e.g. on a residency or short project contract, but we treat this on a case-by-case basis.
Do you help to promote your tenants’ work?
All of our tenants have their own page on our website and we promote tenants’ exhibitions, events and opportunities via social media and our monthly e-newsletter.
How many spaces are there at Krowji and how big are they?
We currently have 120 shared and self-contained spaces with approx. 200 people using the site. Our spaces range from 50sq ft – 530sq ft.
Please click here to see studio availability, sizes and prices.
Do the studios have phone lines and broadband?
This will depend on which building you are in and we ask that you indicate your needs in the application form. We have fibre to the premises and the PW Building is wired up ready for tenants to set up their own broadband connection. We can recommend a local service provider. For ‘low-end’ users in the PW Building we provide shared broadband service, with a monthly charge. There is Wi-Fi available in the café which can be used by all café customers.
How secure are the studios?
The external doors on our studio buildings or areas are kept locked at all times and we have a contract with Kestrel Guards who carry out 2 patrols every night. You can also install your own alarm system and link up to the Kestrel call out service – ask us for details.
Are the studios open 24 hours?
Yes, tenants have 24-hour access to their studio, 365 days a year.
Are the studios heated?
It is down to the tenant to bring in their own electric heater/s – this is the most efficient form of heating for buildings like ours where people are coming and going throughout the day and night. We ask tenants to be vigilant and advise using a timer.
Does Krowji have any equipment for artists and makers to hire out e.g. kilns, print-making equipment, tools?
We rent empty spaces which tenants are required to set up themselves.
What kind of ventilation is available in the studios?
Most studios have windows but for those requiring an extractor fan/ventilation system it is down to the tenant to have this installed in consultation with us.
Are there shared kitchens/sink rooms?
Yes, studios have access to shared washroom facilities in varying formats across the buildings. In some studios it is possible for tenants to have their own sinks installed.
Will I be able to receive mail and packages at my studio?
Yes, all post and parcels are delivered to us at the main reception. All small post is put in your pigeonhole and we will notify you about parcels so that you can collect them from us.
What can I get involved in as a tenant?
Tenants are able to take part in two Open Studio events a year. We run occasional Skillshare Sessions, which offer an opportunity to socialise whilst learning something new from fellow tenants. Our tenants run Studio Sessions, taking it in turns to host a gathering or critique in their studio. There’s a tenant representative system in place and we regularly invite feedback from our tenants.
What involvement is required?
We very much encourage tenants to take advantage of the events and opportunities here at Krowji, however, we are equally very understanding of those who wish to work completely independently.
Are there other rooms available to hire on an hourly/daily basis?
Yes, there are rooms behind the café which are hired out. Please contact us for more information.
Is there an exhibition space at Krowji?
We have a small display area which tenants are encouraged to submit a piece of work to.
Can I run workshops in my Krowji Studio?
Yes, many of our tenants run workshops and we encourage this kind of activity. We can also help to promote this for you by sharing your publicity material. Bear in mind that you will either need a self-contained space for this or you can hire one of our rooms behind the café. You’ll need to show that you have the appropriate insurance for this work.
I have an idea for something I’d like to run at Krowji, what should I do?
We love tenants to come to us with creative community project ideas, and whilst we’re rarely able to offer financial support, we can give advice and help with publicity. We are particularly keen to enable local schools and community groups to engage with us.
