Studio Rentals
The Creative Village, a joint venture by Decatur Arts Alliance and Legacy Decatur, aims to foster an equitable and accessible creative hub in Decatur. In its final stage, the project will offer artist work studios, creative amenities, and income-restricted housing for artists. This creative community will nurture Decatur’s economic and cultural growth, benefiting artists, residents, and businesses. Located in Legacy Park, the initiative comprises four repurposed buildings: Edwards, Trustees, and Smith for residential use, and Hyatt for work studios, classes, and creative events.
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Community partners Essential Theater, Fishbone Art, and Paint Love were instrumental in the rehabilitation of the Hyatt Cottage, and the Atlanta Foundation and LuluMa Foundation were generous funders.
Available studios
Studio 7
$435/month
FAQ
What is the Creative Village?
Four unused buildings in Legacy Park will transform into the Creative Village, a lasting resource for the cultivation and perpetuation of a thriving artistic community in the City of Decatur. In response to the critical demand for affordable spaces for artists to work and in recognition of the positive impact art has on a community, the Creative Village seeks to provide accessible opportunities for artists and community members.
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Three buildings in Legacy Park will offer affordable housing to artists, increasing accessibility for lower-income and emerging creative professionals. Through facility amenities and collaborative workshops, the Creative Village will foster residents’ growth while also facilitating a community “give-back” program, which will provide free or low-cost art engagement opportunities to the public. The fourth Creative Village building will be reserved for private artist work studios, classrooms, and gallery spaces.Â
Where are the artist studios located?
The artist studios are located in the Hyatt building in Legacy Park. The park’s address is 500 South Columbia Drive Decatur, GA 30030.
How do I apply for housing at the Creative Village?
Legacy Decatur is currently renovating the residential apartments to prepare them for tenants. Please follow Legacy Park and the Decatur Arts Alliance on their social media platforms to be notified when applications for the residential apartments open.
How do I apply?
When are applications available?
Applications for the first round of studio leases will be available Monday, July 1, 2024 until Sunday, August 11, 2024. Information about the second round of studio leases will become available in the spring of 2025.
How are the accepted artists notified?
Which artistic disciplines are permitted at the Creative Studios?
Which artistic disciplines are ineligible to apply?
For the time being, ineligible disciples include but are not limited to metal fabrication, welding, and aerosol, as well as musical instruments and recording setups.
Do you have to live in Decatur to be eligible for studio space?
How are artists selected?
The Decatur Arts Alliance seeks to curate a group of artists that will compliment each other’s skills and offer a variety of opportunities for community engagement. Artists’ portfolio, medium, and vision for community contribution will be considered by a diverse panel that could include working artists, Decatur officials, Legacy Decatur staff, Decatur Arts Alliance staff, and community stakeholders, among others.
Will there be a waitlist?
In the event that a lease is terminated before the full year term, an artist from the most recent round of submissions will be invited to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the lease period. This artist will be eligible for lease renewal at the next full term.
If I’m not accepted can I reapply?
Am I required to reapply to be considered for future studio space?
What size studios are available?
Please reference the available studios listed on this page and the building map to review the specific studios available.
What facility amenities are available?
Are there prohibited activities in the studios?
Legacy Park prohibits smoking of any kind on its grounds. The artist studios are strictly for professional work and may not be used in any capacity as a residential facility. Use of hazardous materials must be disclosed at the time of application and explicitly approved by the Decatur Arts Alliance. Any artist who does not abide by the Code of Conduct risks termination of their lease agreement at the discretion of the Decatur Arts Alliance.
Is there parking?
Yes, artists will be provided with parking passes that permit free, unrestricted parking throughout Legacy Park with limited parking immediately adjacent to the Creative Studios.
Are other collaborators permitted to work in the Studios?
Yes, artists may share studio space with other artists, contingent upon prior and explicit permission from the Decatur Arts Alliance. Please list all artists who will use the studio space in the application. Please note that each artist approved to share the studio will be required to submit a background check, due to the recurring presence of minors in the facilities.
Are modifications permitted to the Studio spaces?
What is the rate per room?
What are the lease terms?
The Decatur Arts Alliance is offering 1-year leases, with the option to renew at the end of the term, contingent upon approval. Studio artists will be required to participate in quarterly open studio events, as organized by the Decatur Arts Alliance.
What other costs are associated with a rental term?
The monthly rent includes the cost of Wifi, electricity, water, and a twice-monthly cleaning service of the shared spaces. Artists are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their individual studios.
Is there an application fee?
There is no fee to submit an application for studio space in the Hyatt building.
Is a deposit required?
Yes, a security deposit of one month’s rent is required upon signing the lease agreement. If the studio is left in its original condition upon the end of the lease, as determined by the Decatur Art Alliance, the full deposit will be returned to the artist within thirty days after the lease agreement ends. Specific details regarding the security deposit and its forfeiture/return are provided in the lease agreement.
What is the community give-back component associated with the Creative Village?
Artists will be required to participate in quarterly open studio events, scheduled by the Decatur Arts Alliance. At least 6 weeks notification will be provided to artists before the open studio events.
Is a background check required to lease a studio?
Yes, due to the presence of minors in the shared Hyatt building, selected artists will be required to permit the Decatur Arts Alliance to run a background check before entering into a lease agreement. Decatur Arts Alliance reserves the right to rescind an initial offer of studio space should the artist’s background check cause concern.
Application
Affordable, in-town work studios. Collaborative environment. Supportive community. Be a part of it!
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Lease term is September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.
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Applications are open July 1 to August 11, 2024.
