Studio Membership Terms & Conditions

1. Fair Use Policy

All memberships include unlimited studio time within fair use and available capacity.

Fair use means:

  • Members use the studio in a way that allows all members reasonable access to workspace, equipment, and shared areas.

  • Excessive or monopolising use of space, tools, or shared shelves is not permitted.

  • The studio reserves the right to intervene if usage consistently prevents others from working comfortably.

Fair use applies to:

  • Studio time

  • Shared work surfaces

  • Shared bisque and glazing shelves

  • Kiln firing capacity

The studio may request adjustments to working habits if fair use is exceeded.

2. Studio Access & Sign-Up Requirement

To ensure safe capacity and adequate workspace for everyone:

  • Members are required to sign up via the studio scheduling spreadsheet before attending.

  • The spreadsheet is used to manage space, safety, and comfort for all members.

Failure to consistently sign up may result in access withdrawal.

3. Kiln Firing Policy

  • All kiln firings are managed exclusively by studio staff.

  • Members may not operate kilns or load/unload them.

  • Fired pieces are returned to individual member shelves once complete.

  • While all firings are handled with care and professional standards, the studio is not responsible for damage, loss, or defects to ceramic work occurring during firing. Kiln firing involves inherent risks, and results cannot be guaranteed.

  • If a member’s work sticks to a kiln shelf and renders the shelf unusable, the member is responsible for a 50% contribution toward the replacement cost of the damaged shelf.

  • The studio does not fire work made outside the studio.

    This includes:

    • Pieces made in other studios

    • Work made with clay, glazes, or materials not provided or approved by the studio

Firing allowances (if included in membership) are subject to fair use and intended for regular personal work, not production-scale output.

Fair use excludes production-scale or commercial firing, unusually large or heavy projects, or repeated use that significantly limits access for other members. In such cases, additional firing fees or prior approval may be required.

4. Shared Shelves & Work-in-Progress

  • Bisque and glazing shelves are shared among all members.

  • Members are expected to move work through stages in a timely manner.

  • Work left unattended for extended periods may be moved or removed after notice.

The studio reserves the right to reorganise shared shelves to maintain workflow and safety.

5. Membership Pause (Pro Membership Only)

  • Pro members may pause their membership for up to 1 month per commitment period.

  • Pauses must be requested at least 1 week in advance and confirmed by the studio.

  • During a pause, studio access is suspended.

  • Paused time cannot be retroactively applied.

6. Guest Visits

Where included:

  • Members are responsible for their guests’ behaviour and compliance with studio rules.

  • Guest work is subject to standard firing fees, unless otherwise specified.

  • Children’s work is permitted only when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • Firing of children’s work is handled as follows:

    • Pro Membership: children’s work is fired at no additional cost, but counts toward the parent’s included firing allowance

    • All other memberships: children’s work is fired according to the standard firing fee structure.

7. Private events & special use

  • Any private events, group bookings, or non-standard use of the studio require prior approval by studio staff.

  • Unapproved private events or group activities are not permitted during regular studio hours.

8. Respect, Safety & Cleanliness

Members are expected to:

  • Follow all safety instructions

  • Clean workspaces after use

  • Avoid dry sweeping or dust-creating practices

  • Respect other members, staff, and studio equipment

Consistent failure to follow safety or cleanliness rules may result in warnings or termination of membership.

9. Studio closure & maintenance

  • The studio reserves the right to temporarily close, adjust opening hours, or restrict access for maintenance, repairs, safety reasons, or operational needs.

  • Wherever reasonably possible, members will be notified in advance. Temporary closures do not entitle members to refunds.

10. Right to Amend

The studio reserves the right to:

  • Adjust policies to ensure safe, fair, and sustainable operation

  • Update terms with reasonable notice

Continued use of the studio constitutes acceptance of the current terms.