Zero Empty Spaces (Berkeley, CA) - Working Artist Studios Preview
About this Event
Zero Empty Spaces is coming to Downtown Berkeley, and local artists are invited to preview a new affordable creative studio space before it opens to the public.
Opening inside the former Half Price Books building at 2036 Shattuck Avenue, this new Zero Empty Spaces location will transform a highly visible vacant commercial space into a working artist studio community in the heart of Downtown Berkeley.
Zero Empty Spaces activates underutilized commercial properties into affordable artist studios that support artists, strengthen local creative economies, and bring new energy into places where art is not always expected. With 34 locations activated across 5 states and 900+ artists welcomed into the program, the model has helped artists gain space, stability, visibility, and community while helping cities, downtown districts, and property owners reimagine vacancy as an opportunity.
This preview is designed for artists looking for more than just four walls. It is for creatives who want an affordable place to work, consistent access, professional visibility, and a built-in community that supports momentum, connection, and growth.
Location: Former Half Price Books
2036 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
Interested artists are invited to join us for an open house preview on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with the Zero Empty Spaces team.
Studio pricing, sizes, access, availability, application details, and move-in timeline will all be reviewed during the preview.
Why Artists Choose Zero Empty Spaces
Affordable monthly studio rates
Flexible working studios designed for active creation, not storage
A professional environment outside the home
Increased visibility through open studios, events, and public engagement
Opportunities to connect with collectors, curators, collaborators, and the broader community
A supportive network of local artists creating side by side
No long-term lease commitment
What to Expect at the Preview
Walk through the new Downtown Berkeley studio space
Meet the Zero Empty Spaces team and learn how the program works
Review studio sizes, pricing, access, and availability
Learn about the application process and move-in timeline
Ask questions directly during an open Q&A
Connect with fellow artists interested in joining the community
Who This Is For
Visual artists seeking an affordable, professional studio
Creatives ready to move out of isolation and into a shared creative environment
Artists looking for consistency, visibility, and community
Makers and creative entrepreneurs who need dedicated space to create
Anyone interested in future Zero Empty Spaces opportunities in Berkeley and the Bay Area
This preview is an opportunity to see the space firsthand, ask questions, and determine if Zero Empty Spaces Berkeley aligns with your creative goals.
Space is limited. RSVP requested. Pre-applications are encouraged as we are building the interest list:
zeartistspaces.com/rentspace
Learn More About Zero Empty Spaces
Want to better understand the model before attending? Learn more about how Zero Empty Spaces is transforming vacancy into affordable working artist studios through recent features in The Daily Californian and Next City.
The Next City feature highlights how using vacant commercial spaces as affordable artist studios can create a win-win for artists, property owners, and surrounding communities.
You can also hear directly from our artists by watching the Zero Empty Spaces Artist Podcast Playlist on YouTube, where resident artists share their stories, creative journeys, and how having dedicated studio space has impacted their work.
Daily Californian Article: https://www.dailycal.org/news/city/local-businesses/artist-studio-planned-at-former-half-price-books-location-in-downtown-berkeley-revitalization-effort/article_7718e7d0-ce1e-40df-980e-389b891f7fc7.html
Next City Feature: https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/using-vacant-commercial-spaces-as-affordable-artist-studios-is-a-win-win
Artist Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQfC03WiI506qZISV2GlS4Uy0qBP0eTA6
This Zero Empty Spaces Berkeley preview is made possible with support from Visit Berkeley, the Downtown Berkeley Association, the City of Berkeley, including Councilmember Tregub and Mayor Ishii, and Gordon Commercial Real Estate Services.
For more information on Zero Empty Spaces, visit zeartistspaces.com or email .
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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