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ArtCoop is a cooperatively run, family-friendly space where members work together to accomplish their individual goals. This is the vision the founding members have for ArtCoop; future members should join with the intention of creating a family-friendly, co-operatively run community of artists.

The members of ArtCoop are Creative Directors. Each creative director pays monthly dues determined by operating expenses and overhead on the property. ArtCoop currently rents the property at 535 Mercer Ave, PC, Fl 32401. Monthly dues for each Creative Director are $100 until there are 7 creative directors. At that time, finances will be reassessed.

Creative directors will take turns performing duties of Treasurer and Secretary. The treasurer handles all finances and pays expenses through the ArtCoop bank account. The secretary provides agendas and records minutes from all monthly meeting. All other positions (maintenance, publicity, etc) are strictly voluntary.

All decisions regarding ArtCoop are made at the monthly Creative Directors meeting. Decisions will be made by consensus if possible, or by majority vote. As a cooperative, each member (Creative Director) has an equal vote in the running of ArtCoop, determining what ArtCoop becomes in the future.

The main benefit of membership is the use of the property for workspace, classes, meetings, gallery, and performance space.

Along with providing physical property, ArtCoop members hope to foster a network through which artists can pursue their personal goals while benefiting the entire membership.  Members can meet with each other, collaborate on projects, teach classes to other members or the public, have a meeting place, display their art, and plan group events. As a member, you are part of a community of people reaching for similar goals, sharing their experience, giving their support and maybe even buying supplies in bulk or sharing the cost of equipment. Items like a darkroom, a kiln, and a framing station, etc. are all possible, depending on the needs of members.

Personal responsibility is the main characteristic needed in ArtCoop members. Each member is responsible for making ArtCoop what he or she wants it to be while cooperating with others who have similar goals. Membership in ArtCoop requires a commitment of time, creativity and money: we expect that some members will be more active than others. ArtCoop will seek to maintain a workable balance within its membership by having reasonable Operating Agreements to guide members in knowing their responsibilities and a simple Grievance Procedure that outlines how to proceed in cases of conflict. As a co-operative, each member has an equal vote in the running of ArtCoop. 

Time: Members should expect to spend approximately 5 hours a month on ArtCoop business. This includes attending the monthly meetings (~3 hours), and maintaining the property (~2 hours). Members will share responsibility for maintaining and improving the facility, keeping up with paperwork, and any other necessary functions. It is up to each participant to decide, beyond the basic hours, what to put into ArtCoop and to use the Grievance Procedure to address difficulties. Within this framework there will be great benefits for all the members with a minimum of expense and time.

Creativity: Members will be responsible for the decorating and design of the interior and exterior spaces, the scope of what is offered through ArtCoop, and the innovative thinking that will allow ArtCoop to succeed as a cooperative. Advertising and marketing ArtCoop on a voluntary basis will be up to the members.

Money: The anticipated cost for membership includes a one-time joining fee of $100 and membership dues of $100 per month. After the initial two month trial period, membership requires a commitment of one year, with provisions made to buy out or resell memberships for hardship or incompatibility reasons.

Members of ArtCoop are encouraged, but not required, to define their personal goals in regard to co-operative ventures, and as working artists in regard to self-promotion, production, creativity, and sales. To create a personal vision of what the member hopes to get out of ArtCoop membership to help ArtCoop members find common ground among themselves and work together to support each other. This would be for personal use and not necessarily to be shared with the membership.

Prospective members will go through an invasive, painful screening process to make sure they are suitable. Personality and willingness to function in a cooperative atmosphere will weigh heavily. Becoming a member of the cooperative constitutes equal and shared responsibility for all obligations of ArtCoop.

Interested artists should contact

ArtCoop, 535 Mercer PC, Fl 32401, ph. 769-0608, email: info@artcooppanamacity.com

Heather Parker 249-9295, email painterparker@yahoo.com

Or Zan Miller 215-0135 or 866-1256, email zanmiller@knology.net. If, after exploring ArtCoop and talking to the members, a person wishes to become a member, the candidate should submit:

• a completed membership application. Listed references will be contacted regarding applicant’s dependability and suitability for a cooperative environment.
• one-time joining fee of $100, due on application, to be returned if the application is rejected
• Portfolio or samples of their work, resume, personal mission statement, or goals regarding the applicant’s intended use of ArtCoop.

After the application is reviewed, the applicant will interview with the current membership. This interview could include questions regarding ability to pay, willingness to put time and energy into ArtCoop and whether an applicant’s philosophical outlook is suitable for a co-operative venture. The current membership will determine whether or not to accept any applicant. Upon acceptance, members must agree to adhere to the Operating Agreement and Grievance Procedure and submit their membership dues for the current month. New members will be given a key to the property and can proceed to move in, plan events, etc.

Members join for two months and are assigned a sponsor from the current membership. The sponsor is a direct contact to answer questions and assist the incoming member. At the end of two months, the new member is reviewed by the current membership. The new member or the current members may revoke their membership. Upon agreement by both sides, the new member agrees to a one year membership term.

     You can support ArtCoop without becoming a member. Friends of ArtCoop has been created to accept donations of all kinds, from art supplies to money for special projects. Contact ArtCoop or current members for more information.

***This is the vision for ArtCoop as determined by the founding members.***

***Heather and Zan, December 2005***

Revised and updated 2/06, 9/07, 1/08