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The Blake Gallery Hiring Guide

FOR EVENTS BETWEEN 1 APRIL 2014 AND 31 MARCH 2015

The Blake GalleryWoodville TheatreCivic CentreGravesendKentDA12 1AU

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The Blake Gallery

The Blake Gallery is a high quality, flexible exhibition area. Located within the heart of Gravesend this space is available to hire. It can be used as an art gallery, museum or a space for small performances, readings and recitals.

The Gallery was opened on 22 March 2011 and is named in honour of Sir Peter Blake.

Sir Peter is best known for designing the cover of the Beatles album, Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and the poster for Live Aid, the world’s largest ever multi-national pop concert in aid of famine relief in Africa.

He attended the Junior Art Department of Gravesend Technical College from 1946 to 1949 and subsequently Gravesend School of Art from 1949 to 1951.

On accepting the Gallery being named after him, Sir Peter said

‘"The fact that I was at art school in Gravesend from 1946-1951 makes it a town that I regard with great affection. Culture in all its forms is a vital part of life and public access to it is tremendously important. I have always found museums and galleries to be enriching sources of inspiration and I'm delighted that Gravesham Borough Council have chosen to name this space after me."

Everything you need to know about hiring The Blake Gallery should be located within this pack. If you would like to discuss your requirements further or would like to arrange a viewing of the gallery please contact;

Sue.reuter@gravesham.gov.uk

Woodville TheatreWoodville PlaceGravesendKentDA12 1DD

Hiring

There are three ways to hire The Blake Gallery;

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Commercial Basis

You pay a flat fee to use the Gallery.

Educational Basis

You pay a reduced rate for the Gallery and you will be able to exhibit work for the duration of the hire period.

However, in order to qualify for this rate you must offer educational workshops, at no fee to the council, at the ratio of two per weeks hire or one for every single day hired. These will be open to members of the public and the council will promote via its Arts and Heritage department.

Each workshop must run for a minimum of two hours. The council will retain the right to charge a small admission fee to these workshops.

Commission only

20% commission will be taken at box office for every piece of art sold.

Hire Costs

The rates below include VAT.

Hire Basis Hourly Rate* Daily Rate Weekly Rate

Commercial rate £10.00 £60.00 £180.00

* The minimum hourly hire period is three hours.

Hourly Rate

The minimum period of any hourly hire is three hours and all hourly hires include one free hour, 30 minutes to setup and 30 minutes to takedown your exhibition.

Weekly Rate

The hire period for your exhibition starts on Tuesday at 0900 hours and ends on Sunday at 2pm.

Deposit

Every booking will require a deposit. This deposit will be at a rate of 50% of the total hire cost. The deposit will be used as part payment of your total hires fees.

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Exhibition Preview Evening

Preview evenings can be booked in addition to a standard hire charge. These evenings are a great way of promoting, selling and showcasing your work.

You can invite up to 25 people to a private, invitation only event. It really is a great experience and gets your exhibition off to a great start!

A typical preview evening will run as follows;

1830 Arrival of guests to a canapé reception.

1900 Opening of exhibition by Artist or nominated person.

1915 Preview of exhibition by guests and networking.

2100 Close

A preview will include;

- A glass of wine for each guest - Selection of canapés - Serving Staff

In 2015, the hosting of an Exhibition Preview Evening which includes all of the above will cost only £120. This is an extremely low price and has massive benefits to the artist.

We can also arrange to have a dedicated photographer to attend the evening. Please indicate on the booking form if you are interested in this.

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Technical Information

Wall space - Brick work & plaster board 2550highFloor covering - Vinyl Hanging system on all wallsCCTV coveredControlled access outside opening hoursLighting - small Blue LEDs, spotlights to walls & centre, dimmable Fluorescent unitsFire AlarmTemperature controlled heating systemThe gallery measures 56 sq metres.

The Gallery has two height adjustable tables and we are currently waiting for six plinths of various sizes to be delivered.

The Blake Gallery – Floor Plan

For more details of the Gallery layout or to arrange a viewing please contact the Business Manager.

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Terms and ConditionsDEFINITIONS

The council:Gravesham Borough Council, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1AU

Hirer:The organisation, company or individual named on the booking form.

The Blake Gallery:Exhibition space available for hire at the Woodville Theatre, Civic Centre Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 1AU

1 General Requirements

1.1.1 Any electrical items/equipment brought into The Blake Gallery must have a valid PAT certificate. A certificate must be produced on request.

1.1.2 No alterations may be made to the structure or the fittings of The Blake Gallery, nor the doors, corridors or lobbies be obstructed.

1.1.3 Nothing can be hung from or attached to the ceiling or light fittings.

1.1.4 No advertising devices, constructions or artworks may be displayed outside The Blake Gallery which obstruct the corridor.

1.1.5 Artwork cannot be hung on any of the walls, only from the track system in place.

1.1.6 The Hirer must ensure that The Blake Gallery is secured when not occupied and that all electrics are switched off (details will be provided on first day of hire).

1.1.7 Smoking is not permitted anywhere within The Blake Gallery.

1.1.8 No naked flames, pyrotechnics or gases should be used within The Blake Gallery.

1.1.9 All fire exits and passageways shall be kept free from obstruction at all times. During use of The Blake Gallery all corridors and doorways shall be kept clear.

1.1.10 Emergency evacuation procedures shall be provided to the Hirer on arrival at The Blake Gallery.

1.1.11 The Hirer undertakes to comply with all applicable Health and Safety Rules and regulations.

1.1.12 Report all problems immediately to the Venue Manager 01474 337456.

2 Hire costs

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2.1 Please refer to the enclosed hire costs. A weekly hire period starts on a Tuesday 0900 hours and ends the following Sunday at 1400 hours.

2.2 The hire fee will be payable 28 days in advance of the start of the hire period.

2.3 The exhibitor will be liable for a deposit equivalent to 50% of the total hire cost. This must be paid upon booking. The deposit will be returned after the exhibition, subject to no breach of hire conditions.

2.4 The council reserves the right to change or withdraw quoted hire fees. This does not include bookings that have already been confirmed.

3 Setup and Exhibition Times

3.1 A weekly hire period starts on a Tuesday 0900 hours and ends the following Sunday at 1400 hours.

3.2 A daily hire period will start at 0900 hours and ends at 1800 hours on the same day.

3.3 The council reserves the right to postpone the start time of a weekly hire period until Thursday 1000 hours to allow time to correct any damage or problems left by the outgoing Hirer.

3.4 The Blake Gallery will be open Tuesday – Saturday (0900 – 1800 hours) except Sunday (10am -2pm). Weekend openings can be accommodated but the Hirer must provide an invigilator to be present throughout the opening period.

3.5 The Blake Gallery will be unattended during office hours but is covered by CCTV and will be checked on a periodical basis.

4 Selling Exhibitions

4.1 It is acceptable to sell work at The Blake Gallery. The commission rate is 20% + VAT. Buyers may not take the work away until the end of the exhibition. The Business Manager should be informed of any work sold during the exhibition.

5 Exhibition Content

5.1 The Blake Gallery shall be used only for the function shown in the booking form.

5.2 The council is not responsible for writing any exhibition text on behalf of exhibitors, though all exhibition material should be discussed and agreed with the Business Manager.

Interpretation, including explanatory text and labelling, should be submitted by the exhibitor two weeks before the hire period starts and must accessible as possible to all age ranges and a minimum of 15pt font size. A6 Acrylic literature panels are available from The Blake Gallery.

The presentation must be of a suitable professional standard, a wire hanging system is in place and will support a considerable weight, although we recommend lighter frames be used and not clip frames.

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5.3 No appeal for funds for any charity may be made and nothing of a racist or political nature.

5.4 Nothing related to demonstrations, petitions, personal views or contentious issues

5.5 Please be aware that The Blake Gallery is part of a community space. The council reserves the right to refuse an artist or artwork before or during hire and reserves the right to withdraw from any exhibition art work bringing, or likely to bring, The Blake Gallery into disrepute.

5.6 The sale of goods or services (other than the work being displayed in the exhibition) is forbidden.

5.7 The Hirer shall not issue any tickets of admission except those provided or approved by the council.

6 Transport of Objects to and from The Blake Gallery

6.1 This remains the responsibility of the Hirer.

7 Insurance

7.1 The council will not insure exhibits. We advise that suitable insurance should be purchased by the Hirer to cover exhibits.

7.2 The council shall not be liable for any loss or damage to property or goods used or exhibited in The Blake Gallery or left by the Hirer or persons attending the exhibition.

8 Publicity

8.1 The Hirer must take responsibility for publicising their exhibition.

8.2 If the Hirer provides the council with a press release we will distribute the information to a range of media such as local papers and radio. It is then up to the editors to decide whether to follow up the story. The hirer/artist may also be needed to appear in press photographs.

8.3 The exhibition will be listed on the council’s events web pages at the discretion of the council.

9 Exhibition Preview Evenings

9.1 Preview evenings can be booked at an additional charge. If you want more details about a preview evening please indicate on the booking form.

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9.2 Previews start at 6.30pm and end at 9.00pm and we suggest are scheduled for the Tuesday evening. The Blake Gallery can accommodate a maximum of 30 people at a preview event.

10 Close of Exhibition

10.1 Any encroachment into another Hire Period caused by non-collection of artwork or equipment will result in additional charges of £20 an hour.

10.2 The Blake Gallery and facilities must be left in a clean and tidy condition in readiness for the next Hirer: floors swept; tables cleared; rubbish removed. The appropriate materials will be provided.

10.3 The Blake Gallery will be inspected at the end of the hire period by the Duty Manager, not necessarily with the Hirer present.

11 Cancellation

11.1 In the event of a cancellation by the Hirer, the following cancellation fees will be payable;

Cancellation Notice Fees/Deposits

Over 28 weeks before the hire date Holding DepositOver 16 weeks to 26 weeks before the hire date 60% of total fees dueOver 8 weeks to 16 weeks before the hire date 80% of total fees dueHire date to 8 weeks before the hire date 100% of total fees due

12 Disputes

12.1 The decision of the council in all matters of arrangements, disputes, terms and conditions is final.

I agree to the terms and conditions of hiring The Blake Gallery.

Signed by Hirer………………………………………………………………………...

Print Name……………………………………………………………………………..

Date signed …..……………………………………………………………………….

Booking Form

This must be completed by ALL HIRERS.

Name (The Hirer & Exhibition Principal)

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Address

Contact Numbers – One number must be provided.

Email Address (if relevant)

Website (if relevant)

Title of Exhibition/Event

Description of Exhibition/Event

One what basis to you want to hire the Gallery?

Commercial / Educational Hire

Are you interested in a preview evening?

Yes / No

Date(s) of Requested Exhibition – Please contact the Business Manager for availability.

Additional Information or requests

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Signed by Hirer………………………………………………………………………...

Print Name……………………………………………………………………………..

Date signed …..……………………………………………………………………….

Please Note:- Your deposit is required with this document duly signed and forwarded to The Blake Gallery Bookings, Woodville Management Office, Civic Centre, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU. Cheques or postal orders must be crossed and made payable to Gravesham Borough Council.

The receipt of this document does not constitute an acceptance by the council and The Blake Gallery shall not be deemed to be hired until the applicant has received confirmation in writing. The responsibility and organisation of the hiring is through the person named on the completed application form and correspondence and/or instructions will only be entered into with this person or named representative.

Community Week Application

This must be completed only by Hirers interested in Community Weeks. Please use a separate sheet to include any other relevant information.

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Name of group/organisation

Number of members?

When, where and how frequently do you meet?

Which week are you applying for?

Supporting Statement (Why does your group/organisation want the space and how will it help your group and the wider community?)

Educational Workshops

This must be completed only by Hirers interested in hiring on an Educational basis. Please use a separate sheet to include any other relevant information.

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What subject will your workshops teach?

Do you have any experience teaching this subject?

How many workshops do you intend to run and how long will they be?

Who will the workshops be aimed at?

What subjects do you intend your workshop to cover?

Booking Checklist

Before commencing your hire period, ensure that the following has been either completed or sent to you where applicable.

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Before Hire Starts Yes NoBooking Form completed and returned?

Terms and Conditions signed and returned?

Community Week Application completed and returned?(if relevant)Educational Workshop sheet completed and returned?(if relevant)Deposit sent?

Confirmation received?

Risk assessment returned for hiring the Gallery?

Do you need to arrange insurance for your event?

Electrical equipment you use is electrically tested with a certificate?

On Hire DayFire procedure explained?

Security procedure explained?

After HireFeedback form completed and returned?

Please return all completed documents to;

The Blake Gallery BookingsWoodville Management OfficeCivic CentreGravesendKentDA12 1AU

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