SCAN Affiliations: Navigating the Commercial Property Market

This practical session aims to demystify the process of working with commercial landlords. It is aimed at any group or individual who is renting or is planning to rent a commercial property for artist-led activity. It covers legal, ethical and constitutional considerations for ARIs taking on a commercial lease, what to look out for (or avoid) when signing a lease, potential hidden costs, working with lawyers to negotiate leases, and more. 

 As a case study for these issues, Edinburgh-based EMBASSY Gallery will talk about their recent move from their home of 14 years to a new shopfront unit in Leith. Chris Biddlecombe will then share insights from his extensive research and experiences of artist-led organising. There will then be a chance to ask the leads questions about any aspect of commercial tenancies. 

SCAN Affiliations is Scottish Contemporary Art Network's new learning and development programme of workshops, talks and events tailored for artist-run initiatives (ARIs) in Scotland. The initial suite of five sessions takes place November 2025–February 2026. Find out more about Affiliations including all available events here.

Tickets for all Affiliations sessions are free for SCAN members and £30 each for non-members. Planning on attending more than one Affiliations session? SCAN membership costs less than tickets for multiple events.

• If you are an individual artist on a low income, or an unfunded/voluntary collective, you can join SCAN for £25 per year – cheaper than the cost of one Affiliations event ticket.

• If you are a funded organisation (e.g. through Creative Scotland multi-year funding), you can join SCAN for £64 per year, which only £4 more than the cost of two Affiliations event tickets.

• SCAN members also benefit from a year-round programme of tailored events, training, advocacy and networking opportunities.

To join SCAN from £25 per year, visit our website here.