Studio Access

Castlemaine Press offers members access to a bright, well-equipped printmaking studio. Presses include a manageable 500 x 1000 mm direct-drive etching press and a geared etching press with a bed size of 1000 x 2000 mm for large work, both from local press-makers Merlarue.

To use the studio, artists must become members and must be competent in printmaking. All members must complete a free orientation session and at least one supervised studio session working with an experienced studio member before they are eligible for access. Members also have the option of further sessions working with an experienced studio member if this is considered necessary (fee applies).

Induction

All members are required to undertake an induction process to familiarise themselves with the studio, the equipment, and safe use of the space. This includes assessment of the member’s capacity to use the studio independently. To understand what the induction process involves, what to expect, and what’s expected of you, please read the policy below:

Independent use of the studio one-pager

To find out when the next induction opportunity is, and to book in, please contact us

Changes to studio hire during COVID-19

In line with current CV-19 restrictions Castlemaine Press will remain closed. While we are greatly missing the activity and vibrancy our artists bring to the Press we are committed to creating a safe working environment for all and we will continue to work towards a speedy reopening once this is possible.

Thank you for your ongoing support and please stay tuned for future announcements.

Studio hire fees

Book presses here:

Big Press

Small Press

What you need to bring and what Castlemaine Press supplies

Castlemaine Press supplies presses, a drying rack, baths for non toxic etching solutions and for soaking paper, rags and vegetable oil for cleaning, boards for pressing prints, and newsprint.

Studio users are responsible for bringing their own ink, palette knives, rollers, plates, printing paper, cutting and etching tools, gloves, aprons and ‘consumables’.

Booking the space to make your own work

Once you have become a member and have attended an induction session and subsequent supervised session(s), you are right to go! To book the space to make your own work, please email to: castlemainepress@gmail.com

Bank details will be provided by return email so that you can pay the hire fee. Please make your payment within 3 days of making your booking. Once payment is received, you will be given the key code to get into the studio.

Booking the space to run a workshop or course

If you have an idea for a workshop, or course, or masterclass, or project you would like to run, we want to hear it! Proposals can be for something you run yourself or an activity coordinated by you and run by someone else. Please email a short proposal (one page maximum) with a brief CV and a description of what it is you want to run (and when), and how you will approach it.

Proposals will be assessed by a panel and, once approved, the committee can work with you to plan and implement the project you’re proposing.