Inkling is independent, not a project or an arm of a larger organisation. Inkling is run by artists Rachel Cannings and Morvern Odling, with seven studio members who each hold responsibility for Inkling’s sustainability. Below is our latest updated version of our Governance.
Inkling’s Governance
This document was first written in 2024 and is updated regularly, as things change and Inkling grows. This document was last updated: 18/03/2026
1. What Is Inkling
We operate as a commons. This means that we are a shared space and resource held collectively, run for the benefit of all who use it.
The responsibility for Inkling is held with artists-in-partnership Rachel Cannings and Morvern Odling (“The Directors”), but the commons belongs to everyone who participates in it. (This does not include personal equipment, artwork or ideas, only what is held in common with everyone).
This document sets out how we make decisions, how people access the space, and how we handle disagreement. Inkling operates with commitment to principles of liberation, equality and accessibility.
2. Inkling’s Organisational Structure
The directors are responsible for:
- Day-to-day operations and maintenance of the space
- Holding relationships with landlords, funders, and external bodies
- Facilitating access to the space for studio desk holders.
- Calling and hosting collective meetings
- Making urgent decisions when there is no time for wider consultation
The studio members: There is currently room for seven studio members, they all have a say in how the space is run and share responsibility for its health.
Studio members are expected to:
- Treat the space and each other with care
- Participate in collective decisions when they are able
- Contribute to the upkeep Inkling (in ways agreed collectively — time, money, skills)
- Respect the agreements set out in this document and in the studio desk holder contract
3. Governance Meetings
The Directors meet monthly to discuss ongoing running of Inkling:
- Finances
- Studio Upkeep and cleanliness
- Health and Safety updates
- Events, bookings, etc
- Website/ social media
The Directors meet quarterly for more significant organisational operations. These meetings are minuted.
- Financial Health, long term financial stability
- Health and Safety compliance check & risk assessments
- Strategic partnership opportunities & funding applications
The studio members and directors meet quarterly to discuss operations and any significant direct updates. Anyone can propose an item for the quarterly meeting.
Decision-Making
We use different processes depending on the type of decision. We try to make decisions by talking things through. Voting is a fallback, not the default.
Day-to-day decisions (bookings, minor purchases, small operational matters) The Directors make these without needing to consult everyone. They should be transparent about what decisions they are making and why in the quarterly director and studio member meetings.
Significant decisions (changes to how the space works, major expenditure, new programmes) These are brought to the quarterly director and studio member meetings. We aim for understanding, and operate without serious objections which haven't been heard, considered and responded to. Anyone can raise a concern. No one studio member has a veto which could jeopardise the sustainability of Inkling.
Structural decisions (changes to this document, changes to the fundamental character and purpose of Inkling) These require a meeting where directors and studio members are invited, with at least two weeks notice given and clear purpose communicated. A record is kept of what was decided and who was present.
4. Access and Membership
Joining Inking: Anyone can express interest in joining Inkling. The Directors consider whether the space can support them and whether their practice fits Inkling. There is no fixed aesthetic criteria.
Using the space How studio members access use the space is set out in a separate Studio Desk Holders Agreement, which all members sign. This covers things like hours, storage, shared equipment, and guests.
Leaving Inkling People leave when their practice moves on, or when they no longer use the space. If someone wants to step back, they let the stewards know. There is no penalty for leaving.
Removing access If someone's behaviour causes serious harm or repeated problems, their access can be suspended or ended. This is a last resort.
5. Conflict Resolution
Disagreements happen. This is how we handle them.
Step 1 — Direct conversation If there is a problem between people, we encourage them to try to talk it through directly first, if it is safe to do so.
Step 2 — Director support If direct conversation hasn't worked or doesn't feel possible, either person can come to the directors. The directors will listen to both sides and try to help find a way forward.
Step 3 — Collective involvement If the issue involves a director, or cannot be resolved at step 2, it is brought to a mutually agreed outside party. A meeting is called. Everyone with a stake in the issue is invited to speak. The group decides together what should happen.
Serious harm If someone causes serious harm — including harassment, discrimination, or abuse — the directors can suspend their access immediately, pending a fuller process. The affected person's safety comes first.
We commit to handling conflict with honesty and care, and to not letting disagreements fester unaddressed.
6. Reviewing This Document
This document should be reviewed at least once a year. Directors and studio members can all propose a change. Changes are made through the structural decision process in Section 3.