Commonly asked Questions and Answers
What is Art Space?
Art Space is a designated area in Macon Mall, in the East Wing, dedicated to offering unique and affordable location options to artists. With so many varied and talented people under one roof, the creative sparks will fly. Art Space offers the arts community a chance to collaborate with each other, share resources and engage the community in a breadth of cultural activities. It also offers the shoppers of Macon Mall, drawn from 22 surrounding counties, a chance to engage in Macon's art scene.
Why is Macon Mall launching Art Space?
Macon Mall's ownership and management staff are committed to serving the community. In partnership with Macon Arts and Middle Georgia Art Association, we have developed the Art Space Program to foster and develop the arts scene in Macon, GA.
How many spaces are available?
At this time, there are a total of 18 spaces designed to Art Space in the east corridor.
What are the sizes of the space?
The spaces range in size to 900 square feet to over 10,000 square feet.
Where are the spaces?
The spaces are all located in the east wing, nestled among some great national tenants such as Victoria's Secret, Hollister, Game Stop, Gymboree, rue21 and more.
What is defined as Art?
A panel representing the two partnering organizations will help us determine and define the art to be placed in the Art Space. Effort will be made to have artists work together to offer a wide array of opportunities representing the various mediums. Theater, fine art, dance, photography, costume design, set design, graphic arts, literary and other forms of art are welcome to consider a spot in Art Space.
Has this been done anywhere else?
Yes, Crestwood Court in St. Louis was the original center to launch an Art Space format. It has been very successful.
What kind of art is represented at this center?
It is exciting to see the various artists working together at Crestwood Court. Children illustrators (one of five such locations in the entire United States), theater, dress design, set design, homemade goods, fine art, photography, interior design, children theater, and more can be found under one roof. For a complete list, visit crestwoodcourt.com.
What have been the results?
Crestwood Court had a high rate of vacancy due to the owner's plan to redevelop the property. In the meantime, over 40 spaces have been filled representing the arts.
When will the spaces open?
Macon Mall is proud to announce the first tenant has signed a contract. We expect the process to accelerate due to the interest so far. We hope to open the first store any day now with the rest to follow.
Is there a grand opening planned?
Macon Mall is planning a grand opening for the public in the fall. We will start planning as soon as we have ten or more stores open. We will be sure to notify our customers, as soon as possible, since we expect a lot of people to turn out for this important event.
What does it cost for a space?
It is our intention to make rental costs affordable to every interested party; therefore rates are substantially lower than market rates. Rental rates will be negotiated individually with each tenant.
Do I have to be open when the mall is open?
No, the hours of operation will vary with each tenant. If you do plan to open your space to the public, during all mall hours, which is encouraged, we ask that you communicate those plans to the management team.
Can I access my space after mall hours?
Yes, Macon Mall is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will have to check in and out with security, as part of Homeland Security procedures.
Is there a commission on products that I sell?
Yes, but the commission is considerably less than a gallery or other outlet. There is also a ceiling at which point you have to start paying percentage rent. All of this will be explained to you when you discuss your situation with specialty leasing.
Is a security deposit required?
Yes, the security deposit is equal to one month's rent.
What other costs are involved?
When a tenant takes a space, they take the space as it is shown. Most of the spaces are tenant ready but some artists have special requirements. Any renovations or changes must be preapproved by mall management and is the tenant's responsibility. Other costs include utilities, insurance and any business licenses required by the city, county and/or state.
How much are the utility costs?
Utility costs vary by the size of the space and the number of hours in operation. Each tenant will be different.
What about store front displays?
A requirement of occupancy at Macon Mall is that the store front display window must be decorated in a visually appealing manner. This is a great opportunity for each artist or group to boast to the community about their work, upcoming events or to publicize other locations either in downtown Macon or somewhere in the community. The mall management team has the final approval on all visual displays.
What are the steps to opening a space in the center?
Interested potential tenants are to contact the specialty leasing manager at Macon Mall. She is ready to help you understand all the costs related to a designated space. She will also help you through the leasing and licensing process.
What is the length of the contract?
Currently the contracts are for a one-year lease.
What if it doesn't work out for me?
Macon Mall staff will work with you to make sure your experience is a positive one. If, for some reason, you can not continue with your lease; or for some reason, Macon Mall can not continue with the lease, a 30-day out clause is included in the lease agreement.
What else do I get for opening a space in Art Space?
Macon Mall has on staff a full time marketing professional. One of the advantages of opening a space at Macon Mall is the marketing opportunities available to help you grow your business. Special events, advertising, public relations and promotions are all part of the fringe benefits offered to tenants. Signage throughout the center, a branding campaign for Art Space and social marketing are all part of the plan.
What if the mall is sold?
Macon Mall is in receivership and is expected to have a new owner. When that happens, the decision to continue the program is the owner's option. We feel certain, in today's economic climate, that Art Space will be a huge success and offer any new owner a great option to fill space until the retail industry recovers.
Can I have a space in the West side?
Spaces are available in the west side of the mall but under the current leasing agreements and terms, which are much different that the Art Space agreements.
Who do I contact to learn more?
Contact Cindy McMichael, specialty leasing manager or Brian Olivi, general manager at Macon Mall. They can be reached by calling 478-477-8840.
