Sometimes one of the hardest things to do is to find studio/ work space and it is almost impossible to find "legal live-in work space" in most cities/metropolitan areas. Most of the spaces are found word of mouth and by shear luck. Attend as many open studios events you can find. This can help you find out about spaces that are word of mouth and not advertised. See our open studios listing section on this site to help you research Massachusetts Open Studios Events.
We recommend a couple of things if you are moving to any new area and you are looking for studio space.
Visit the National Association of Artists Organizations website and find out if there are any artist run spaces or art schools in the area you are moving to. Call those spaces/schools, tell them you are moving into town, and that you are in need of studio space.
When you do get into town go where are artists go (art supply stores, art schools, places that already have artist studios, etc.) and post signs indicating that you are looking for studio space.
In Boston, the Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC) has a great list of other on-line resources to find studio space in Fort Point and beyond. Also the Boston Redevelopment Authority's Artist Space Initiative is also creating spaces for artists who have been certified by the BRA.
Check out the listings for Massachusetts open studios listings for fall and spring on this site for other places to post signs and visit. You might also want to call arts councils and mayor's offices of cultural affairs for leads on studio spaces in the area you wish to have a studio. The Massachusetts Cultural Council has a list of area Local Cultural Councils.
Join the AF's free listserve, as we often send out studio listings. Also send studio listings to the AF's listserve and we will send them out.
