Warehouse Studios
The Warehouse studios at Coventry’s canal basin are managed by artists who work in the building. Among others they are trustees of Coventry Canal Basin Trust Ltd. The trust is a registered charity. The primary aim of the charity is to maintain and preserve the Warehouse as a building of special historical importance. In order to achieve its charitable aims the trust maintains ‘paramount occupation’ of the building. Consequently, no part of the Warehouse can be formally leased or sub-let.
The trust manages the Warehouse as an art & design centre (local planning regulations dictate that this is the only permitted use for the building). The building also has meeting rooms for various clubs and canal related charities. Artists and craftspeople are able to use studio and workshop spaces on an informal basis but none have exclusive occupancy of any part of the building.
Trustees liaise with other arts organisations and providers both in and beyond the immediate region. Exhibitions, presentations, talks, performances, teaching, building tours and a wide range of other artistic, cultural, conservation and educational activities are carried out by the trustees.
Artists and craftspeople exhibit their work both in and beyond the city. Their experience, knowledge and working practice feeds back into the Warehouse and out again into the local community