MEMBERSHIP TERMS + CONDITIONS
BECOMING A MEMBER
To become a member, you must have completed at least one round of our Beginners Pottery Course (or similar experience elsewhere) and be able to work relatively independently. There will always be a technician on hand if questions arise. Fill out the application form on our website and we will be in touch to have a chat to make sure that Neighbourhood is right for you.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Neighbourhood is an inclusive studio. Members are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner towards fellow members and studio staff. Any form of racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or other forms of discrimination or microaggressions will not be tolerated. Any disruptive behaviour or violation of studio rules may result in the termination of the membership. If you have witnessed or experienced a violation of this code of conduct, please speak to a member of staff.
HEALTH + SAFETY
Members are responsible for their own health and safety while using the studio facilities, and are encouraged to prioritise their safety and the safety of others at all times. They must follow all safety guidelines provided by the studio and use equipment with caution. We have a first aid kit on hand in case it’s needed. Any injuries or accidents that occur within the studio premises must be reported to one of the studio owners promptly.
EQUIPMENT + TOOLS
All equipment must be cleaned and properly maintained after each use. Members are expected to handle the equipment with care and report any damages or malfunctions to one of the studio owners immediately. If you aren’t sure how to use a tool or piece of equipment properly, speak to a member of staff.
Neighbourhood is equipped with the basic tools needed to handbuild and throw, but you are welcome to bring and use your own. Please store your personal tools on your allocated shelf. Please don’t use anything that’s being stored on another member’s shelf without their permission.
TIDYING + CLEANING
Members are asked to leave their work stations and the studio tidy and clean. Please clean, dry, and put away all tools used, wipe your table, and mop the floor where you were working. If you were throwing on the wheel, please wipe it down thoroughly and mop the area around the wheel. Please make sure you keep your allocated shelf tidy and organised safely.
CLAY + GLAZES
Clay can be purchased from the studio. The types of clay and prices are displayed at the studio. Ask a member of staff if you’d like to purchase clay. To protect our kilns and equipment, members must get approval from one of the studio owners before using clay, glazes, etc which have not been purchased from the studio.
We will be making regular orders to Scarva, Clay Cellar, and others. Let us know if you’d like us to add something to those orders for you. Please pay us for the cost of your items before we make the order.
FIRING
We aim to fire pieces as soon as they are ready, but please note that firing could take up to 3 weeks (especially in winter when pieces dry more slowly). If you need a piece urgently, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.
Staff members will take every precaution to make sure your pieces make it through the kiln intact, but sometimes accidents happen or problems occur in the kiln which are out of our control.
Due to studio capacity restrictions, our studio is not suitable for production level quantities. Members are given an allowance of 3, 6, or 9 kilos per month (depending on their membership chosen tier) of glaze fired work. Anything you wish to fire beyond your allowance will be charged at a rate of £6 per kilo. Excess allowance does not carry over to the next month if unused.
CHANGES TO TERMS
The studio owners may update or modify the terms and conditions of the membership agreement. Members will be notified of any changes in advance.
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE?
Neighbourhood Pottery Studio is a collaborative community space. It’s important to us that the studio works well for everyone, so we are open to suggestions, feedback and requests. Talk to a studio owner or member of staff if you’ve got an idea about how things could be better.
By signing up for a monthly membership at Neighbourhood, members agree to abide by the above terms and conditions.
We’re looking forward to having you join us in the studio!