By SEAN CHALK
Contributing Reporter
Struggling artists can find salvation with ArtSpot L.A., which helps provide affordable studio and rehearsal space. Since launching in April, the non-profit has been able to connect more than 50 artists with free or below-market-value studio space.
Co-founded by theater veterans Matt Wells and Danielle Holland, ArtSpot L.A. makes temporary arrangements for artists to use buildings that are either vacant or in escrow. Businesses that would not be generating income off the space can receive either a tax deduction by donating the use of the buildings, or a little extra income by charging modest rents to artists.
About half of the company’s operating expenses come from an annual fundraising dinner; the rest comes from individual donors. Wells and Holland plan to seek grants in the future.
ArtSpot projects operating expenses of $25,000 for the first year, but hopes to grow.
Wells and Holland are donating their time. They work with eight other volunteers, including another co-founder, Marc Devine, from varied backgrounds including property management and entertainment law.
Companies say the concept can help revitalize the community by bringing people to what might be an otherwise desolate area.
“It helps keep up the maintenance of the buildings,” Holland said. “If people are in the space then they aren’t being vandalized and homeless people won’t be in there.”
The tax savings make donating space an even break for property owners.
“We donated a two-bedroom apartment in Crescent Heights that was vacant at the time,” said Jacob Hakak. “We were able to receive a tax deduction for the amount that we otherwise would’ve received in rent.”
Based in Silver Lake, ArtSpot L.A. has found studio space from the Miracle Mile to South L.A. and Inglewood.
“This week alone we have coordinated 25 hours of free artist workspace,” Wells said. “Artists are saving thousands of dollars, which is the difference of boom and bust for most of these people.”
The non-profit started after both co-founders had returned from New York City, where they’d been working on the theater scene. They had encountered a similar program, Chashama, there. After returning to L.A., they decided to try the concept here.
“We are trying to make the art community of L.A. what it has the potential to be,” said Holland. “It can help make these areas hip and cool before they turn these buildings into condos.”
Nick Konow, who had resorted to practicing in parks and other public places, was able to rehearse with his Need Theater group in a warehouse in Silver Lake.
“It is especially hard for theater artists,” said Konow. “First you need to get a group together and then find an affordable space large enough to rehearse in, which is generally impossible in L.A.”
