Accessing the Labs
Old Hat or New Skill?
If you do not have prior experience using the equipment at AS220 Labs but are looking to learn a new skill; we recommend that you take one of our workshops to familiarize yourself with the tools and techniques before purchasing a Labs membership and booking time to work independently. Our workshops are small, averaging just five students and are highly affordable. Peruse upcoming workshops at the Labs.
If you are a prospective member with prior experience working with the Lab’s equipment, you will be able to reserve time to work independently on any equipment with which you have demonstrated proficiency. We ask that you bring sample/images of your work to our monthly Open House, where we can discuss your prior experience, provide you with a Membership contract, and answer any lingering questions about the Shop.
AS220 Industries Annual Membership
Once you have decided to become an AS220 Labs Member, you must first purchase a $50 AS220 Industries Annual Membership and fill out a Membership contract, available in the Labs. You will then be given access to our online reservation system, where you can reserve blocks of time on any equipment with which you have demonstrated proficiency. Current members must renew their annual membership each year, one year from the date on which it was last paid.
Membership Options
AS220 Labs has a number of membership options with varying levels of responsibilities and access.
Pay As You Go – $25 per 2-hour session
Members opting to pay by session can rent 2-hour blocks of time at $25. Two blocks can be purchased at once for a discounted rate of $45.
Monthly Membership – $80/month
Monthly Membership includes six 4-hour blocks of time per month for $80. Additional blocks can be purchased for $15 each. This is a great option for heavier users of the shop, allowing frequent access at a $55 discount compared to paying for each block.
Monthly Membership requires a three month commitment.
Monitor Membership – $30/month
Monitor Membership includes the same access to the Printshop enjoyed by Monthly Members: six 4-hour blocks of time per month, with additional blocks of time available for $15 each. Monitor Members work three 4-hour volunteer shifts per month in exchange for a reduced monthly membership fee. Monitors “staff” the Labs, providing guidance and support to new users and enabling access for regular monthly members.
Monitor members must attend one monitor training session – see “Orientation” below for more information and to sign up.
Monitor Membership requires a three month commitment.
Keymembership – $50/month
In addition to six blocks of time per month during the Labs public-access hours, Keymembers receive a key fob so that they can use the space during off hours. Keymembers also receive a secure personal storage space at the Labs, where they can stash ongoing projects and necessary materials on site.
Keymembers assume responsibility for the continued development of the Labs, fundraising, upkeep of the facilities and equipment, conducting monthly Open Houses, orienting members, and training new AS220 Labs Monitors. In addition to the $50 monthly fee, Keymembers commit to three 4-hour volunteer shift each month and participation at 1 meeting per month.
New members usually start off as Monitor Members or standard Monthly Members and upgrade to Keymembership out of a desire to be more involved in the Labs’ community, daily operations, and decision-making.
Keymemberships require a 6 month commitment.
In keeping with the mission of AS220, we do not want limitations, financial or otherwise, to be a barrier to your creative work. Please contact the AS220 Labs Manager at james(at)as220.org with questions or concerns about our membership options and/or to discuss specific projects that will require significant time at the Labs.
Open House
The 1st Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm, AS220 Labs, the Printshop, and AS220 Media Arts host a free public Open House.
The AS220 Industries Open House is an opportunity for people to shake hands with the AS220 Industries staff and members, see our equipment in action, participate in demos, and learn more about membership and programming.
Group Tours & Private Workshops
The Labs welcomes groups for tours and/or private workshops, but we do ask that you contact us to schedule your visit or contact us to discuss a potential workshop at least two weeks in advance. We are always excited to meet people from local non-profits, educational institutions, and professional organizations and would love to hear from you!
Visit our services page to learn more about private instruction for individuals or small groups.
AS220 Labs Public Access Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-10pm*
The Labs Manager, a Monitor, or a Keymember is available during these times to let Members in, restock supplies, help with safety procedures, and offer advice when needed.
