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Frequently Asked Questions
General Overview
Q: What is Zero Empty Spaces?
A: Zero Empty Spaces is a creative placemaking initiative that activates vacant commercial real estate into affordable, working artist studios and cultural hubs. We partner with property owners, cities, and organizations to bring life, visibility, and community value to underutilized spaces while artists gain professional, accessible places to create and grow.
Q: How long has Zero Empty Spaces been operating?
A: Zero Empty Spaces has been active for over six years and has successfully activated 33 formerly vacant spaces across four states, welcoming more than 800 artists into the program.
Q: What problem does Zero Empty Spaces solve?
A: We address prolonged commercial vacancies while simultaneously solving the lack of affordable, visible workspace for artists. Our model improves walkability, foot traffic, public perception, and leasing momentum while supporting creative entrepreneurs and community engagement.
For Property Owners, Developers, and Brokers
Q: What types of spaces do you activate?
A: We typically activate vacant storefronts, offices, and commercial suites ranging from 500 to 10,000+ square feet. Spaces with visibility and street access are ideal, but interior office and second-floor spaces can also work depending on the market and goals.
Q: How long do artists occupy the space?
A: Our model is flexible and designed to support leasing efforts. We operate on a month-to-month basis and vacate when a permanent tenant is secured. The space is always market-ready.
Q: Do you pay rent?
A: Our standard model operates on a $0 base rent, month-to-month structure. Artists pay affordable studio fees that support operations, utilities, insurance, and programming. This allows owners to activate space without financial risk while retaining full leasing flexibility.
Q: Who covers utilities, insurance, and liability?
Zero Empty Spaces assumes liability for the space and provides our own certificate of insurance. We also cover utilities, basic maintenance coordination, signage, and day-to-day operations.
Q: Does this interfere with leasing the space?
A: No. In practice, it often accelerates leasing. Activated spaces receive foot traffic, positive press, and renewed interest. We coordinate closely with brokers and owners to accommodate showings and transitions.
Q: What condition does the space need to be in?
A: Spaces do not need to be fully built out. We work with raw or lightly finished spaces and adapt layouts to minimize costs and preserve flexibility.
For Cities, BIDs, and Economic Development Organizations
Q: How does Zero Empty Spaces work with cities?
A: We support cities through vacancy assessments, activation strategy, and full program delivery. This can include advising, pilot activations, or turnkey management of multiple spaces with a dedicated on-site program manager.
Q: Is this a temporary or permanent solution?
A: Both. Zero Empty Spaces focuses on short- to mid-term activation of vacant properties, while our nonprofit arm, Spaces of Possibility, works toward permanent creative and live/work spaces through long-term ownership and property donations.
Q: How quickly can a space be activated?
A: Once approvals and access are in place, most spaces can be activated within weeks, not months. Speed is one of the key advantages of our model.
Q: What kind of impact does this generate?
A: Impacts include increased foot traffic, improved perception of vacant corridors, artist income stability, community programming, positive media coverage, and increased leasing momentum. We also provide reporting and metrics when working with public-sector partners.
For Artists and Creatives
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: We work with visual artists and makers who need dedicated workspace outside of their homes. Each location has a curated application process based on space, medium, and community fit.
Q: What types of artists are not accepted?
A: We do not allow photographers or jewelry makers in Zero Empty Spaces locations.
Q: Is this a gallery or a studio?
A: It is a working studio first. Many locations are open to the public, allowing visitors to see artists working, but the primary purpose is creation, not retail or exhibition only.
Q: What are the costs for artists?
A: Artists pay an affordable monthly studio fee that varies by market and space size. This covers access, utilities, insurance, and participation in a creative community.
Q: Do artists get 24/7 access?
A: Access varies by location and building constraints. Many spaces offer extended or 24/7 access, while others follow building hours. This is always clearly communicated before onboarding.
Programming and Community
Q: What happens inside the spaces besides studios?
A: Our spaces evolve into creative hubs that host open studios, workshops, classes, nonprofit fundraisers, artist talks, and community events.
Q: Who runs programming and events?
A: Zero Empty Spaces manages the overall framework, while artists and partners contribute programming organically. In city-led projects, programming is often aligned with broader cultural and economic goals.
Getting Started
Q: How do we start a conversation with Zero Empty Spaces?
A: The first step is an introductory call to understand the space, goals, timeline, and stakeholders. From there, we recommend the right activation or advisory approach.
Q: What information should we have ready?
A: Square footage, location, current condition, visibility, target leasing timeline, and ownership structure are helpful starting points.
Q: Is Zero Empty Spaces the right fit for every vacant space?
A: Not always. If a space is actively under contract or requires heavy construction, activation may not be the right solution. We are direct and transparent about fit from the beginning.