Work Exchange Members

In recognizing and acknowledging a community wide issue of access to affordable studio spaces and opportunities in the city, Paperhouse Studio continues to put our efforts into building an approachable, accessible and inclusive safe space. We developed a volunteer-for-rent program that offers an exchange model for youth and young people, low-income community members, people living on the margins and/or emerging artists to simultaneously build arts based work skills and the space to be creative both independently and collaboratively.

We aim to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all.

How does it work?

We meet with prospective Work Exchange members to decide where your interests lie and what kind of work experience you are hoping to gain with us. From there, we set up a schedule together. We understand that everybody’s commitments can vary and change often, life is complicated and many folks are often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. We respect our volunteers and strive to build an accommodating structure for all. For every 2 hours of work at the studio, you get 1 hour studio time to yourself. You can use the space for drawing, papermaking, zine and book making, working on your laptop / mobile device and more. All Work Exchange Members are part of our bigger membership body and thus all benefits apply. In addition, we waive all membership fees for our WEMs.    

How to apply

To better understand what prospective Work Exchange Members are looking for, we ask that interested parties please email us a resumé or artist CV. In the body of the email, please introduce yourself, let us know why you are interested in being a WEM, what you will be contributing to the community, and what are you hoping to gain, in around a paragraph.

The current areas we are looking to fill include:

  • Community Outreach Assistance

  • General Administrator Assistance

  • Website Content Creator

These are just starting points, so even if you do not see yourself in any of these areas we still strongly encourage you to get in touch with us.

Please email your resumé or artist CV and your introduction paragraph to members@paperhousestudio.com. Please also get in touch for alternative ways to apply via our Contact page.