578 West Main Street
Spartanburg, SC  29301
(864) 804 - 6501

            WEST MAIN ARTISTS CO-OP        

Subtitle

Join the Artists Co-op

To apply for membership in the West Main Artists Co-Op, simply complete our online Membership Application.


You will need 3 to 5 good quality .jpg images of your work, a few references and information about your art.  We also charge a $20 application fee.


Have questions about membership?  You can email us at [email protected]

More About Membership in the West Main Artists Co-op

OUR MISSION
The mission of the West Main Artists cooperative is to create a community of artists wherein members mentor and support one another.  To provide affordable studio, display, and performance space to established and emerging artists living in and around Spartanburg, South Carolina.  And to provide the public with opportunities to view original art and to interact with the artists.

OUR VISION
West Main Artists Cooperative aspires to be a diverse community of artists and their supporters who value individual creative expression, and who serve as an arts resource for Spartanburg and the Upstate of South Carolina.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
Art can be created and enjoyed by people from all walks of life.  We actively seek a diverse membership of races, cultural backgrounds and religious faiths.


BECOMING AN ARTIST MEMBER
At the West Main Artists Co-op, we share space, but more importantly we share opportunity. Members participate because they want to make art and to support each other, and these are necessary components of a successful co-op.  Any artist who shares these ideals and who wants to expand and enhance the local art community is welcome at the Co-op.  

Because the co-op has no paid staff, the day to day operation, planning and execution of all co-op related matters fall into the hands of the participating members.


While responsibilities will not be burdensome, all members of the co-op are expected to:


  • Serve on co-op committees (See a list of committee descriptions)
  • Assist with planning co-op events and exhibitions
  • Attend, participate in and promote co-op events and exhibitions
  • Work in our Gallery Shop
  • Help with cleaning and maintenance of co-op facilities
  • Ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants
 

Membership Options

Memberships are organized into two tiers. The first being members that have a studio at the Co-op. The second tier does not have a studio at the address, but shares common space within the co-op. The participation of each member is needed for the building to run as it needs to.


All Co-op members are required to work on at least one committee.  Every member must do his or her share of the work to make this Co-op function as it should.  This means that members will provide labor to get the building where we want it and to keep it this way. Members also contribute a percentage of their WMAC retail store sales back to the co-op.


1st Tier Membership (Studio Artist)


1st Tier members are required to serve on one committee. All operations of the Co-op are divided into departments and the artists work together to make sure the duties are fulfilled. The committee you join should be of interest to you. For instance, if you enjoy getting your hands dirty, then the Facilities Committee would be a good choice. If you enjoy planning gatherings for people, then the events committee might be right up your alley.


All 1st Tier members contribute a 10% commission of their retail store artwork sales to support the co-op.


1st Tier Membership Dues by Studio Size

Artist can elect to share studio space with 1 other artist


  • Small studios – $90 per month ($130 per month shared)
  • Medium studios – $130 per month ($160 per month shared)
  • Large studios – $155 per month ($190 per month shared)



2nd Tier Membership


2nd Tier members share common space within the co-op, but do not have their own/shared studio space.  2nd Tier artist contribute a 20% commission on all artwork sales made through the WMAC retail store.  2nd Tier members must also serve on at least 1 committee.


2nd Tier members pay $45 per month, but have no studio space.