Sometimes a one-off exhibition or project is desired, making the process of setting up a space shorter but no less complex or intense.  You may consider collaborating with other artists to share the workload; it is a good idea to have a written agreement stating each person’s responsibilities before you start.  For a smaller or one-off project, or in the initial stages of many artist-led spaces, a simple written agreement between collaborators is often enough.  Later on, however, a more formal structure may be appropriate, and there is information about the different types of organisation on this website as well as on the Charity Commission website about these types of collaborations.  Some forms of organisation will preclude the need to pay business rates, but getting charitable status is a lengthy and potentially expensive process.  Newly created Community Interest Companies are an easier structure to set up, and if you are considering charitable status you may consider this instead.

More information can also be found in our How to set up a organisation article.

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