Artists use vacant shops for mutual benefit

I read that empty shops are being used by artists and film-makers, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13842044.

The article refers to an artist's exhibition in Leeds, but it is happening in Newcastle and elsewhere too. The recession left many high street stores empty, boarded or pasted up, and art exhibitions certainly make them look brighter. One office block is even being used temporarily for a film set.

The key point for landlords is that they pay full business rates on properties that have been empty for more than three months, but if they let them to charities, they get 80% off. Many art exhibitions qualify as charities.

Arts Council England helps to fund the rent from the artists' side.

"The premises are being used for public benefit, we're brightening up areas that are standing empty and helping to change the image, and we get the resource that we can give artists to use," said Ken Stratford, operations manager at Leeds-based East Street Arts.

Looks like good business all round to me.