ART & ACRE
Connecting landlords with charitable organizations to reduce business rates and create public value
We’re business rates mitigation experts with a passion for driving social change, supporting the arts, and strengthening communities
ART & ACRE
Charity Portal
We are on a mission to bring more art and a sense of community into empty spaces
Art & Acre helps registered charitable organizations in performing arts, visual arts, and community work find free spaces for workshops, exhibitions, fundraisers, gallery pop-ups. We have a large network of landlords across the UK that offer their spaces for charitable causes.
Please get in touch with us at info@artandacre.co.uk to help assist you in finding your free space.
ART & ACRE
Charity Portal
Q&A
Does the charity pay rent?
They are contractually obliged to pay a peppercorn rent (just £1)
Does the charity pay the business rates?
If the charity follows specific guidelines, it can be 100% exempt from business rates. In cases where some rates are required, the landlord will cover those costs.
How long can charities occupy the premises?
Charities can stay until the property is let or sold
What type of properties are available?
Any empty commercial property that is in a habitable state.
What can the properties be used for?
Any arts project that aligns with your charity’s Articles of Association.
What notice period will be given?
Usually, a 30-day notice period, though this can be extended for larger properties
What are the requirements to participate in this scheme and get a free space?
- Charity needs to be a registered charity in the UK
- Open to using office facilities for exhibitions, not requiring fully fitted gallery space
- Willing to collaborate with landlords on space usage
Is this scheme approved by the Charities Commission?
Yes, we consulted with the Charities Commission, HMRC, Art Council, and a Valuation Office.
ART & ACRE
Landlord Portal
We work with landlords and asset managers who care about both: the bottom line and the community
Requirements
Benefits
We work with asset managers, family offices, and commercial property landlords to reduce business rates for:
- Offices
- Retail Units
- High Street Shops
Properties must have running water, electricity, lighting and be easily accessible to the public
- Up to 100% business rates savings
- Transparent relief system which is regulator-approved and council-endorsed
- Safe, legitimate alternative to risky mitigation methods
- 30 day lease termination policy
- An impactful contribution to the local community
ART & ACRE
Process Overview
Art & Acre (A&A) is given a mandate by the client (either the charity or the landlord)
We match the charity with a suitable landlord from our extensive network
The trustees of the charity approve the property and its terms, and the property is inspected
Upon signing the lease, the landlord provides a nominal subsidy that covers the charity's operational costs
Please get in touch with us at info@artandacre.co.uk for business rates mitigation
Once the charity is officially a tenant, we assist them in reaching out to the local council to obtain charitable rate relief. The landlord automatically qualifies for 80% rate relief, and the rest will depend on a case-by-case basis
ART & ACRE
About Us
I founded Art & Acre out of a deep passion for art and community. With a background as a tech investor, I always seek investment opportunities that create win-win scenarios for everyone involved—customers and companies alike.
When I came across the commercial property sector, I immediately recognized an opportunity to make a difference. Post-pandemic, vacancy rates have soared, and the challenging economic environment, including high-interest rates and a sluggish market, has placed significant pressure on landlords. Not only are they struggling with a lack of rental income, but they're also burdened by business rates.
At the same time, charitable organizations face their own set of challenges, particularly in fundraising and finding spaces to operate where they can genuinely make an impact. This gap presented a unique opportunity to bring all parties together. By connecting landlords with charities, we help landlords reduce business rates while offering charities the space they need to thrive.
We've already had the pleasure of helping a few charities find free spaces for their exhibitions, and it has been the most rewarding experience. Seeing the positive impact on the community and the joy these events bring reinforces my belief in this mission.
I'm excited to continue this journey, bringing value to landlords, supporting charities, and enriching local communities through the power of art and collaboration.
ART & ACRE
Contact Us
It’s a win-win for everyone—landlords, artists, charities, and the public. We proudly see ourselves as changemakers, transforming spaces and enriching lives.
Please get in touch with us at info@artandacre.co.uk