Artist Studios for Rent in Berkeley, CA: Affordable Space at 2036 Shattuck Ave

Photo: Nathan Dalton for Berkeleyside.

Looking for artist studios in Berkeley? Zero Empty Spaces offers 24 private cubicle studios at 2036 Shattuck Ave., in the former Half Price Books building at Shattuck Avenue and Addison Street. Studios range from 96 to 255 square feet, start at about $550 a month with utilities and Wi-Fi included, and are available month-to-month. Artists have 24/7 access and keep 100% of sales.

Artist studio space in downtown Berkeley

The studios are inside an 8,000-square-foot storefront in downtown Berkeley, at the corner of Shattuck Avenue and Addison Street. The downtown Berkeley BART station is nearby, making it easier to reach the space from around the Bay Area.

The location is part of a familiar commercial stretch and puts artists in the middle of Berkeley’s active arts community. The building is open to the public daily from noon to 5 p.m., giving visitors a chance to browse work and buy directly from the people who make it.

Photo: Nathan Dalton for Berkeleyside.

What you get with a Berkeley studio

Each artist rents a private cubicle studio within the shared storefront. The space gives you a place to work, display your art, and meet people who visit the building.

Here are the main details:

• Private studio: Choose from spaces ranging from 96 to 255 square feet.

• 24/7 artist access: Work around your own schedule.

• Daily public hours: The building welcomes visitors from noon to 5 p.m.

• Utilities and Wi-Fi included: Both are part of the monthly studio price.

• Month-to-month rental: You don’t need to commit to a long-term lease.

• 0% commission: You keep 100% of what you earn from art sales.

Having public hours can make a difference if you want your work to be seen beyond your usual circle. Visitors can discover your work in person and purchase it directly from you.

How much do art studios for rent in Berkeley, CA cost?

Studios start at about $550 per month, with the exact price depending on the size of the studio. The monthly cost includes utilities and Wi-Fi.

The month-to-month arrangement offers flexibility if you’re not ready to take on a long lease. And because Zero Empty Spaces takes no commission, the money from your art sales stays with you.

Before choosing a studio, think about how much room your work needs. Consider the size of your materials and finished pieces, how you like to arrange your workspace, and whether you want space to display work for visitors. You can compare those needs with the studio sizes available.

Who might this space suit?

These studios may suit working artists who want a dedicated place to make and show their work in a public-facing location. Painters, illustrators, sculptors, fiber artists, and other visual artists may find a private studio useful for both focused work and sharing their practice with visitors.

Every art practice has different needs. Think about the tools and materials you use, the room you need, and how often you plan to work in your studio. That can help you decide whether a cubicle-style space is a good fit.

Work alongside Berkeley artists

A studio here is private, but you’ll be working in a space shared with other local creatives. That can make it easier to meet artists working in different disciplines, see what they’re making, and connect with people who value the arts.

Berkeley artists working at the location include Annetta Lipman, Puanani Owan, and Stephen Gerstman. You can find more names on the Berkeley artist page.

Annetta Lipman is among the artists working at the Berkeley location.

The Berkeley space is supported by the Downtown Berkeley Association, Visit Berkeley, the City of Berkeley Office of Economic Development, and Gordon Commercial Real Estate Services. Their involvement connects the studios with local partners focused on downtown and its creative community.

Zero Empty Spaces was founded in 2019 by Evan Snow and Andrew Martineau. Across its locations, the company has had more than 1,000 artists as tenants, activated 250,000 square feet, and supported over $2 million in tenant sales.

How to apply for a Berkeley artist studio

Start by reviewing the Berkeley artist page and the location information. When you’re ready, submit the Rent Space form at zeartistspaces.com/rentspace. Include information about your art practice and what you need from a studio so the team can understand whether the space may suit you.

Frequently asked questions

How much is an artist studio in Berkeley?

Studios at 2036 Shattuck Ave. start at about $550 per month. Sizes range from 96 to 255 square feet, and utilities and Wi-Fi are included.

Do Berkeley studios require a long lease?

No. The studios are available month-to-month, without a long-term lease.

Can I sell my art from my Berkeley studio?

Yes. The building is open to the public daily from noon to 5 p.m., so visitors can browse and buy directly from artists. Zero Empty Spaces charges 0% commission, and artists keep 100% of their sales.

Is there round-the-clock access?

Yes. Artists have 24/7 access to their studios.