You want a place to work and perhaps where you can exhibit. Where and how do you find that place, what will it cost and what requirements do you have to fulfil?

Letting of studio space
Most of the bigger cities have special studio facilities for artists. For example anti-squatting (antikraak) or (temporary) studio's in certain area's. Sometimes housing associations and municipalities also have places which are suitable for studios. Inquire also with artists' initiatives. If you know more artists lookinng for a studio, consider leasing space together. The owner will usually want to deal with a legal entity in this case. Maybe you can have your studio at home. In that case: check out the tax regulations.

Are you an artist?
To be eligible for special studio provisions from municipalities you will have to be able to pass a test of professional requirements. You have to have completed professional education, be a practicing artist and have the facilities and materials an artist needs. If you work as a professional artist, a professional education does not have to be an absolute requirement.

Buying studio space
When it is difficult to lease a studio, there may be the option of buying space. If you want to buy a studio together with other artists, it’s smart to set up an owners’ association or a foundation which can manage the property. Then everyone’s responsibilities can be recorded in statutes or by-laws.

Studio requirements
Your studio is often a 'business card' as well as workspace. Potential clients might visit for meetings or to see your work. What do you require of a studio? how big does your studio need to be; do you have heavy equipment and need a reinforced floor; is lighting important; do you prefer a certain neighbourhood; does it need to be suitable for exhibits?

Expenses
In addition to the rent you will have to pay for energy, water, waste removal fees, property tax and insurance. Ask yourself how much you want to pay for all this and how much turnover will you have to have per year in order to pay for it all. Consider renting a bigger studio temporarily if you need to cut costs.

Have you found a studio?
Ask at the municipality about whether you need to apply for a business permit for your studio and whether you fulfil the requirements for milieu and working conditions. If you work with poisonous materials you have to be sure that waste removal is handled properly. The municipality has information about how to do this. These kind of requirements are not always met in studio's. Check this out if you work with dangerous materials or equipment. Its your responsibility and probably liability if something goes wrong.