F.A.Q.
frequently asked questions

What kind of work can I show in the gallery?
The gallery is designed for exhibiting works of art (pictures, sculptures, decorative arts). Any other use must be agreed with The Dundas Street Gallery in advance of booking. Failing to do so will incur in the booking being cancelled.

How long can I book the gallery for/can it be less than a week?
You can rent the gallery for more or less than a week. We have a minimum rental of 5 days.
4-day hires, where available, will be released in January and will only be offered for the year ahead. These hires will be subject to a 30% surcharge on the pro-rata rate.

When does my hire start and finish?
The hire starts from 8am on the first day of your booking. The gallery must be vacated by 6pm on the last day of your booking. A delay to your departure will incur a £250.00 charge.
If you require more time for the delivery of your exhibit or the set-up, please include an extra day in your booking. We do not allow early access.

How do I check the gallery’s availability? 
There is a booking calendar on our website which shows availability (days in black and yellow are unavailable – days in white are available). Click here to view the calendar.

What does the hire fee include?
The hire fee includes: use of the whole gallery with office and kitchen/lavatory area, electricity and gas utilities, cleaning at the end of the exhibition, hanging material, general rubbish collection.

What deposit do I have to pay? Is it refundable? 
50% deposit of the total hire fee is required to confirm a booking. This deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is due within 14 days of the date of issue of the invoice. Payment of the deposit is deemed to be acceptance of our terms and conditions. Should the deposit not be received within the scheduled time the space will immediately be released for general sale.
For bookings made less than six weeks before the start of the hire the full rental fee is required at the time of booking. The full fee is non-refundable.

Do you offer any assistance with my show? 
We don’t. You are entirely responsible for your exhibition including installation and supervision. When we send you the invoice for the deposit we will also give you a list of local businesses to contact should you require assistance with the set-up, promotion and private view.

When do I have to pay the balance?
We will send you an invoice 10 weeks ahead of your booking and this invoice is due 6 weeks before the start of your hire (all payment deadlines will be stated on the invoices).

Can you promote my exhibition?
We do not offer a press mailing list or a client mailing list. You are entirely responsible for the marketing and promotion of your own exhibition. We can provide a limited promotion through our Facebook platform (@DundasStGallery). You will need to provide us with details of your show (image jpeg, title, social media handles if any and website). If we don’t receive these details, we won’t post your show on social media.

Can I use The Fine Art Society name associated with my exhibition?
Exhibitions held in the Dundas Street Gallery are not affiliated with The Fine Art Society, and the contact details or branding of The Fine Art Society cannot be used in the promotion or operation of your exhibitions.

Do you charge any commission on the sales? 
We don’t take any commission on the sales of your works. Our only charge is the rental fee.

Do you offer a payment system? 
We don’t. However, the gallery has Wi-Fi that you can use to set up your own payment methods.

What are my opening times?
You can decide your own opening times. Please bear in mind that noise and music must be kept at an appropriate volume and is not permitted under any circumstance beyond 10.00pm.

Is there an insurance cover in place? 
The gallery’s insurance does not cover the activities and content of any third party renting out the Dundas Street Gallery. You should have your own Public Liability cover for any injury or damage you may be legally liable for. You must also provide your own insurance for artwork, equipment or possessions. We are happy to advise companies you can contact.

Is the gallery protected by an alarm system?
Yes, there is an Intruder Alarm which must be set at all times when you are not in the gallery. We will give you instructions on how to operate the alarm when you collect the keys.

When can I collect the keys?
Keys can be collected from The Fine Art Society from 10am on the first day of your booking or the day before. We do not allow early access to the gallery.

Can I serve alcohol?
The gallery doesn’t have an alcohol license. You can offer alcohol, but you cannot sell it. Offering alcohol with a paid ticket is also considered selling alcohol and therefore it is not permitted.

Is there parking on site?
We do not have dedicated parking. The gallery’s entrance is in front of a bus stop. Loading and unloading may be possible for brief period of time if you park on the single yellow just before or after the bus stop. There is meter parking on Heriot Row, Abercromby Place, Queen St Gardens E, Great King Street, Cumberland Street. As of April 2024, the highest cost of meter parking in Edinburgh New Town is £6 per hour. This applies Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM and Sunday from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

How do I hang my pictures? I have heavy pictures…
The hanging system are nylon cords and metal hooks hanging from picture rails. Nylon cords and hooks are provided. If you have heavy pictures, we can supply stronger chains or rods. Please do ask us upstairs.
Drilling, nails, blue/white tack are not permitted. If you need to attach your labels onto the wall, you can use a low sticky tape (upstairs we use a loop of normal masking tape).

The Gallery reserves the right to charge for an additional refundable deposit of £250.00 to cover any damage to the space during the duration of the hire. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the hire if no damage occurred and the space is left in a suitable condition.

Can I hang posters on the railings/have an A Board?
No Banners, A-boards, advertising materials are allowed on the railings or on the street (as per Edinburgh Council’s notice). You can have an A-Board or a poster at the top of the stairs going down to the gallery.