ROOM HIRE AT THE ART HOUSE
The Art House is a unique, informal and welcoming venue ideal for groups, workshops, meetings, film screenings, music events and fundraisers.
A hire charge usually applies for using the space, however this gives you exclusive use of the area you have booked as well as the option to publicise your event via our networks, if possible.
All fees go directly into the running of our nonprofit venue, providing a unique, community run meeting space for Southampton & the wider area, supporting artists and promoting ethical lifestyles.
Groups & individuals can hire space at The Art House, provided this meets our aims and objectives. Unlike commercial businesses, our main aim as an organisation is not to make money, and so some hire of the space would not be appropriate.
Whilst we do run some drop-in events, we cannot book tables for non hirers. We expect all groups who are publicising their meeting here to let us know and make the appropriate hire arrangements with us.
We do not hire space to political parties / religious groups who are using the activity to recruit new members or limiting participation to members of their political party or religious group. As a progressive and inclusive venue that is LGBTQ+ run, we do not hire the space to any groups that aren’t inclusive of all, or to groups linked to anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns.
All use of The Art House is subject to meeting our aims and objectives and is entirely at the Director’s discretion.
General Information about the space
The Art House is a lively, informal community space which is most suited to creative activity and more relaxed events. We are staffed by volunteers and furnished with reclaimed furniture and equipment. We offer a very different kind of meeting space to a more well-equipped, formal space.
You are generally expected to set up yourself and to leave rooms as you find them although our helpful crew will assist as much as they can.
Please note
- The Hirer has responsibility for publicity, handling money, dealing with enquiries, providing materials etc.
- We will be thrilled to publicise the event for you on our programme of events, provided we are given the information in plenty of time. Please let us know if you would like us to do this and send us a ‘blurb’ and image to include, plus any other good stuff we can share with our networks.
- The Hirer pays a fixed amount, agreed in advance, to use the space.
- A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure your booking.
Other info
We can serve drinks, vegan cakes and snacks at most times, either by selling directly to participants or by adding it to your hire fee if you wish – please discuss what food & drink you need with us so that we can arrange this.
Spaces which are available to hire are:-
Bunker178
Ground floor space with tables, seating and a stage. Suitable for performances, rehearsals, meetings and workshops. 45-50 audience members, 25 meeting participants, band rehearsals up to 15 members. There is a PA and projector, available to use at an additional rate. The PA is included for band rehearsals, you will need an induction on how to use it before your first session.
The Growlery
There is a flipchart which you can use when you hire the Growlery, however you must bring your own paper & pens.
There is a PA & screen which are hireable at an additional rate.
The Grove
Smaller space near the kitchen with skylights and a mural, a large table and seating. This space is good for smaller meetings or crafty sessions. We have badgemakers and other craft materials available to hire on request (ask us when you enquire about the space).
The Kitchen
Our kitchen is fully vegan and available to hire for pop up events, outside catering etc. An induction session will need to be booked for an additional charge the first time you use the kitchen, to ensure you are using it according to our safety procedures.
We are particularly keen to work with small, vegan food businesses on pop up events in our space and can negotiate a payment deal that will minimise your risk if you want to do this.
None of the spaces are 100% private and we do not feel that the Art House is suitable in general for groups which are dealingwith confidential issues, or where people attending may be feeling particularly vulnerable. We are a family friendly space, but not suitable for children-only activities.
Accessibility information
The ground floor is wheelchair accessible with a level entrance and wide front door.
There is a bell to ring for assistance in opening the front door if needed. The toilet is on the ground floor and is accessible. The first floor is accessible via a wide staircase with a banister.
Booking the space
You will generally need to give us a minimum of 2 weeks notice if you want to hire the space.
Check here first to see if the space you want is available (all public events will be shown and private events should show as ‘busy’)
Click here to apply to hire the space
Safety and Security
For safety and security reasons, a trained duty co-ordinator will need to be on site at all events unless we’ve made another arrangement with you. The organiser will be briefed on our fire safety procedures by the Duty Co-ordinator, and has a responsibility to pass this information on to people attending your workshop/event.
