Gallery Exhibition Application
WORKING STUDIO INFORMATION
1

At this time, there are no Working Studios available.

If you are interested in future openings, please join our mailing list
in order to keep up with the newest news.

Consider applying to
exhibit your art work in our Stormwater Gallery.

Stormwater, A Non-Profit Visual Arts Community
where individuality, and art experiences intersect

Stormwater is a vibrant growing arts community in Columbia, South Carolina.  Situated in the Congaree Vista, at 413 Pendleton Street, Stormwater Studios and Gallery offers the best of both worlds: downtown studios and gallery nestled within a quiet one-acre natural environment.

Our mission is to establish a consistent and supportive environment to foster the growth of artists and demonstrate the value and importance of visual art to the community at large.

Our vision is to continue to develop a creative vibrant hub of diverse visual artists, fostering creative expression and forming the nucleus of Columbia’s thriving arts district.

Benefits of a Working Studio Include

  • Involvement, interaction, support within a community of professional artists
  • Free gallery exhibition
  • Inclusion in two annual resident artist exhibitions during the Vista Guild’s Vista Lights and Artista Vista
  • Use of outdoor workspace surrounded by nature
  • State-of-the-art security system 
 

Exhibition Opportunities

At various times during the year, the exhibition area is utilized for shows presented by the Resident artists of Stormwater Studios. During alternate times, the gallery is available to other artists as a high quality location for local, regional, or national art shows for a fee of $300 per week and a deposit of $200.

Ready to book an exhibition at stormwater?

To start with, here are answers to some basic questions

Exhibitions at StormWater Studios Gallery may run for up to two consecutive weeks, with availability starting on Tuesday morning and ending on Sunday night.  Exhibitions longer than two weeks need to be approved by the Resident Artists.  The fee for the Exhibition Gallery is $300 per week.  Within 5 days of your accepted exhibition proposal, a refundable $200 security deposit is due to hold your exhibition proposal. This will be returned to you at the end of the exhibit if all conditions are met. Please read our Exhibition & Liability Waiver Agreement and Gallery Exhibitor's Agreement

Fill out the request form below to start the process.

Step 1 of 3

To apply: First, refer to the Events calendar on this website to see what dates are currently available. Then complete the application form and acceptance of liability waiver form (below) and submit the security deposit. You may also be asked to submit examples of the kind of work you intend to show. Professional quality, display, and presentation is expected.

The following items are to be abided by for the lease of the exhibition gallery at StormWater Studios an affiliate of the non-profit StormWater.

I. EXHIBITION OR EVENT DESCRIPTION

Upon the terms and conditions contained herein and in consideration of the covenants and agreements expressed herein and of the faithful performance by the Lessee of all such covenants and agreements, Stormwater/Stormwater Studios does hereby grant unto the Lessee the right to use and occupy the Stormwater Studios Gallery for the purpose Lessee specifies in our online exhibition information collection form.  Stormwater Studios shall consider all exhibitions and events on a first-come, first served basis. Upon agreeing to the Waiver of Liability Agreement and Stormwater Studios Exhibition Space Guidelines, please submit your proposal through the Stormwater website. We will make every effort to contact you within 10 days of receiving your submission.


II. RESERVATION OF ACCEPTED SUBMISSIONS AND SECURITY DEPOSIT

Within 5 days of your accepted exhibition proposal, a refundable $200 security deposit, is due to hold your exhibition proposal. StormWater Studios shall attempt to notify the Lessee if another party requests such a date before the reservation is confirmed. The security deposit should be sent to the Stormwater, PO Box 8755, Columbia SC 29202. Your request cannot be processed until you return this exhibition and waiver of liability agreement and submit your security deposit of $200.

III. FEES, CANCELLATIONS, and REFUNDS

Your fee is due no later than the 1st of the month preceding the month of your show. Payment should be made to Stormwater, PO Box 8755, Columbia SC 29202. 

Cancellations and/or changes made to the contract must be submitted in writing to StormWater. No oral changes will be valid. If an event should be canceled more than thirty (30) days before the set-up date of the event, a refund equal to one hundred (100%) of the deposit shall be made. If an event should be canceled 2 to 4 weeks before the set-up date, a refund equal to seventy-five (75%) of the deposit shall be made. If an event should be canceled 8-13 days before the first date of the event, a refund equal to fifty (50%) of the deposit shall be made. If an event should be canceled 7 or fewer days out, no refund of the deposit shall be made.

IV. LIABILITY INSURANCE

If, in the determination of Stormwater, liability insurance is required (in most cases it is not), a policy satisfactory to Stormwater shall be a prerequisite to use of the leased premises. A copy of this policy shall be provided to the Stormwater no less than one month before the first day of the event. For events scheduled less than one month before the first day of the event, proof of insurance shall be a prerequisite to the making of a reservation. The policy shall be procured from an insurance company licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina [either at lessee’s discretion, from list provided by Stormwater, or exclusive provider] and shall in no case be for amounts less than $1,000,000 and shall provide Stormwater as an additional insured or co-insured party.

V. ALCOHOL

Any event during which a lessee wishes to serve, distribute, consume, or possess alcoholic beverages and charge customers for consumption must be through a licensed caterer permitted by accordance with local ordinance & State law. Alcohol can be served at no cost by the Lessee, but express permission is required from StormWater to do so. If alcohol is provided at no cost the Lessee is solely responsible for any and all liability that may arise.

VI. EVENT FEES and PAYMENT

Event fees shall consist of gallery exhibition fees and any other fees that arise from additional items or services required or requested. Full payment of all fees must be received no later than the 1st of the month preceding the month of the set-up date of the event.

VII. OTHER CONDITIONS

The Lessee further covenants and agrees to abide by all rules, regulations, rates, policies, conditions, and limitations of Stormwater/Stormwater Studios separately provided to the Lessee if applicable.

VIII. UTILITIES

StormWater shall furnish, at its expense, heat, water, lights, and air conditioning necessary for the Lessee's use during the term of this contract deemed necessary by the owner. Stormwater/Stormwater Studios shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage resulting from any lack of heat, water, lights or air conditioning due to an act of God, acts by the Lessee or its guests or the failure of equipment to operate or function properly through no fault of Stormwater/ Stormwater Studios or its agents.

IX. UNAVAILABILITY OF PREMISES

In any case in which the premises of Stormwater/Stormwater Studios or any premises covered by this agreement are damaged by fire, flood, or other cause, or if any other casualty or unforeseen occurrence shall render the fulfillment of this contract by StormWater impossible, then the term of this contract shall end, and the Lessee shall be liable only for fees up to the time of such termination. The Lessee hereby waives and releases any claim for damages or compensation on account of such termination.

X. RELEASE OF LIABILITY

The Lessee agrees to save and hold harmless Stormwater/Stormwater Studios of and from any and all expenses, damages, claims, demands or liability by or to the public, employees or guests of the Lessee and all others on account of or occasioned by the negligent installation, construction, repair, alteration, maintenance or operation of any structure, device, machine, enclosure, amusement, entertainment or commodity or by any activity pertaining to this lease, or by any act or omission, negligent or otherwise of Lessee or its patrons when on or about to enter or exit the premises herein leased to Lessee.

XI. ASSIGNABILITY

The Lessee's rights under this lease shall not be assigned without prior written approval of the Gallery Director of Stormwater.

XII. COLLATERAL CONTRACTS

The Lessee shall be responsible for all other contracts, obligations, and expenditures made in connection with its use of the leased premises. By way of illustration and not limitation, these contracts may include entertainment, catering, fees, and licenses, insurance, special furnishings or decoration, staffing, etc.

XIII. PERMITS, LICENSES, and PERMISSION

The Lessee shall be responsible for the procurement and expenses of all licenses, permits and union and trade organization clearances required for use of the leased premises for the purpose stated. The Lessee shall also be responsible for obtaining permission of the Stormwater Gallery Manager for all events that are different from the original intended event.

XIV. EXHIBITION RATES

The Lessee agrees to pay the exhibition rates and charges listed herein in exchange for the use of the leased premises and any services provided. The fees include basic electricity (110 volt), basic utilities such as water, restroom use, use of chairs, tables, and lighting.

XV. PARKING

You are responsible for informing your guests and/or attendees of any parking regulations and enforcing said regulations as stated by the City of Columbia SC. Please do not block driveways and be respectful of our neighbors.

XVI. CHECK OUT AND CLEANING GUIDELINES

You are responsible for your own set up and clean-up. If additional cleaning is required or if premises are damaged by your use, additional charges may be assessed.

The Lessee, by agreeing to this Lease Agreement, agrees that it has read, understood, and assented to all the provisions previously recited as well as any other rules, regulations or policies separately provided. The Lessee also understands that violation of any of the previous provisions is subject to default of the Lease Agreement, fines, suspension from the facility and/or prosecution.

Revised 10/19/2023