F.A.Q.
frequently asked questions
HOW TO BOOK
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.
How far in advance can I book?
We accept bookings up to 1 year in advance.
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.
What kind of work can I show in the gallery?
The gallery is designed for exhibiting works of art, should you wish to use it for another purpose please notify us in advance.
How much does it cost?
Prices are given per week and vary according to the month of the year. Our pricelist is available online on our website. We have 3 tiers: £1000 p/w (low season, October to April), £1,500 (high season, May to September except August), £2,000 p/w in August only. For bookings longer or shorter than a week, we calculate the daily rate and multiply by the number of days.
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. The building is covered for Public Liability insurance; however, clients must provide their own insurance for artwork, equipment or possessions.
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).
What if I want to cancel or move my booking? Can I get my deposit back?
You can cancel your booking, but the deposit is non-refundable.
We can re-book you at a later date, depending on availability. If you send us a transfer request up to 6 months before the start of your hire, we will keep 50% of the deposit you paid and transfer the remaining 50% towards the new hire. Only one transfer can be made this way.
If you want to transfer your booking after the deadline of 6 months before the start of your original hire, this will be treated as a cancellation, and we will keep the full deposit.
Can you cancel my booking?
We reserves the right to cancel a booking before the commencement of hire by giving you at least six weeks prior written notice. We will refund you in full of any payments received. The gallery will have no further liability to the hirer.
BEFORE YOUR RENTAL
How many artworks can I hang?
The gallery covers 700 square feet (65 m²), with 330 feet (100m) for single line hanging. It is suitable for one person or mixed shows and will hang approximately sixty paintings.
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.
Do you have a mailing list for promotion and publicity?
We do not provide a press mailing list or a client mailing list. You are entirely responsible for the marketing and promotion of your own exhibition. We have a Facebook and Twitter profile which we manage (@DundasStGallery). If you would like to be featured, please send us an image (jpeg format), details of your show, social media handles if any, and link of your website. If we don’t receive these details, we won’t post your show on social media.
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 I have to follow fixed opening times?
You don’t. The gallery has its private access which is completely independent. You can decide your own opening times.
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.
Is there an insurance cover in place?
The building is covered for Public Liability insurance only. You must provide your own insurance for artwork, equipment or possessions. We are happy to advice 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.
Do you offer a payment system?
There isn’t. However, the gallery has wifi that you can use to set up your own payment methods.
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. However, due to changeover cleaning taking place the evening before your rental, we cannot allow early access to the gallery.
The gallery is available to enter from 8am on the first day of your booking. If you require more time for the delivery of your exhibit or the set-up, please include an extra day in your booking.
Can I drop my paintings the night before my booking starts?
This is not possible any-more due to storage limits. We are unable to store pictures on behalf of clients.
What time do I have to leave the gallery by?
The gallery must be vacated by 6pm on the final day to allow for cleaning and maintenance. The cleaning team are scheduled to arrive immediately after your departure. A delay to your departure will incur a penalty.
How many people can I invite to the PV?
The gallery can host around 50 people at the same time.
Can I serve alcohol?
You can offer alcohol, but you cannot sell it. The gallery doesn’t have an alcohol license.
HANGING
How do I hang my pictures?
The hanging system is through nylon cords and metal hooks hanging from picture rails. Nylon cords and hooks are provided.
What if I have heavy pictures?
We can supply stronger chains or rods. Please do ask us upstairs.
Can I use nails/make holes/use blue tack or white tack?
We do not allow clients to make holes in the walls or use blue/white-tack. Please use a low sticky tape if you need to attach your labels onto the wall (upstairs we use a loop of normal masking tape).
Are there any easels / tables / chairs?
There are 3 easels, 1 desk (155 x 75 cm, h. 70 cm), 4 chairs.
Are there any plinths?
There are 6 plinths in the gallery. We are not able to supply more. Plinth sizes are:
36 x 55 cm, h. 94 cm
30 x 60 cm, h. 80 cm
30 x 60 cm, h. 80 cm
23 x 80 cm, h. 80 cm
44 x 22 cm, h. 80 cm
38 x 25 cm, h. 118 cm
A pdf with images is available on request.
What is the size of the poster sign outside?
64.5 (h) x 66.5 (w) cm | inside the frame: 63.5 (h) x 63.5 (w) cm
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.
Can I have lettering on the windows?
Yes, you can. Please remove it before the end of your exhibition.
Can I have candles?
Candles are strictly prohibited. The fire alarm is highly sensitive. Please avoid the use of aerosols, or activities which create steam/smoke, especially in proximity of the fire detectors.
