What are the rental fees, and how much time do they permit?
There is a four-hour minimum contractual time to rent the Art Center facilities. The contracted time starts when you or your representatives arrive for set-up. Allow at least one hour for set-up (most caterers prefer 1.5 hours for set up), factor in time for the event (when guests are in the building), and then at least one hour for clean up. An average facility rental is 6 hours. Rental fees are based on the total number of hours used.
Do you have a preferred vendor list?
We do not require you to use specific vendors; however, it is strongly recommended that you use a vendor from our preferred list. The companies on our list are top quality and have an excellent record of working in our facilities regularly and understanding our policies, procedures, and how to utilize our unique space best. Suppose the caterer or vendor has not used our facilities. In that case, they are required to meet with the facilities coordinator at least two weeks before the event for a walk-through and to understand the limitations of our kitchenette and prep/serving areas, the contractual set-up and clean-up times, and what their clean-up responsibilities include.
Can I serve alcohol at my event?
To serve alcohol at the Ann Arbor Art Center, your caterer must have a liquor license or a certificate of liability insurance on file no later than two weeks before the contracted date, listing the Ann Arbor Art Center as the certificate holder and including the Art Center as an additional insured and also include Waiver of Subrogation under the General Liability. Suppose the client is an individual and does not have a caterer with the required insurance coverage. In that case, the client must secure insurance through www.theeventhelper.com, or you must hire a SafeServ Certified licensed bartender. Any alcohol brought into the Ann Arbor Art Center must be from a licensed caterer, or you must employ a SafeServ Certified bartender if you are providing your own alcohol.
Can I bring my own food and/or beverages to be served?
Due to liability reasons, we do not allow clients to bring in their own food or beverages. A licensed and insured caterer must provide all food; if you are serving alcohol, it must be served by a TIPS or ServSafe Certified bartender.
How many guests can the Art Center accommodate?
The guest capacity in each area of the Art Center is different based on set-up (seated vs. strolling event). The following are suggested guidelines to accommodate guests and protect our building comfortably:
- A2AC Gallery: maximum of 50 guests; strolling events preferred
2nd Floor Main: maximum of 50 guests - Studio 301: maximum of 60 guests
- Studio 302: maximum of 20 guests
- (There is a maximum limit of 80 guests if the client opts to rent both Studios 301 and 302)
Will you hold a date for me?
We do not “hold” dates for individuals who inquire about a specific date for any length of time. To secure a date on the Art Center’s facility calendar, a contract must be completed by the facility manager, initialed and signed by the client, and returned with a 50% deposit based on the total facility rental fee at the time of booking. The remaining balance on the contract is due two weeks before the event.
What is the Art Center’s cancellation policy?
The 50% deposit is based on the total facility rental fee at the time of booking and is refundable up to 45 days before the date of use. The client may cancel two weeks before the contracted date without incurring additional costs; however, the initial 50% facility rental deposit will not be refunded. The entire contracted total will be billed to the credit card on file at the time of booking if cancellation occurs less than two weeks before the facility rental date. Please be advised there is a non-refundable 10% service fee on all booked rentals that cancel before 45 days from the event.
Can I have music at my event?
If a band, DJ, or iPod will be playing during the event, it is only permitted between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. in keeping with the City of Ann Arbor noise ordinance.
Do you allow fundraising or other ticketed events to be held at the Art Center?
The Ann Arbor Art Center does not permit using its facilities for fundraising purposes or events requiring a paid entry ticket.
How do I reserve the space?
Please fill out our inquiry form on our website, and A2AC staff will reach out to you within 5-10 business days.