The Stable Spaces Survey

Only a small number of respondents (13%) own their own buildings.

Most lease (65%)

… or move between temporary and domestic spaces (22%). 

There is significant accommodation instability in the arts with 47% of respondents having moved once or more in the last five years.

Over half (53%) of the relocations were forced rather than for strategic reasons. The single biggest reason for relocation was that the building the respondent occupied was sold or closed. 

Almost two-thirds (62%) of leasing respondents lease space from the commercial sector.

Leasing is working for a lot of organisations and individuals. But a large majority (71%) indicated a desire for more security – whether that be a longer-term lease or ownership.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents are on temporary or short-term arrangements, including month-by-month or year-by-year leases and alternative arrangements.

A significant proportion (28%) of the arts sector are using their homes as workplaces.

Organisations and individuals working out of residential accommodation are more likely to be dissatisfied than others with their accommodation (43% vs 15%)