FAQ

Artistswap est une association loi 1901 basée à Marseille qui favorise la mise en relation et la création d’une communauté de professionnel·le·s des arts visuels (artistes, designers, commissaires d’exposition, critiques d’art et théoricien·ne·s). Son objectif est de faciliter la mutualisation des ressources, la collaboration, la transmission et la mobilité, notamment à travers des séjours de mobilité croisée en encourageant ses membres à permuter leur logement et/ou atelier.

Artistswap rassemble une communauté autour d’une vision artistique coopérative et solidaire. Artistswap a vocation à être inclusif, équitable et solidaire, en proposant une alternative aux circuits institutionnels souvent sélectifs et saturés.

Create an account on our website to become a member. Registration is free, and you can immediately complete your profile and access the platform's features. Eventually, membership will require an annual fee of €50 and three recommendations from existing members (co-optation) to validate your registration.

By joining Artistswap, you gain access to an international network of artists and visual arts professionals. You can exchange accommodation, studios, and develop enriching collaborations. The platform also encourages mutual support and resource sharing among peers.

No, each profile on Artistswap is personal and unique. You cannot lend your account to someone else. The profile is directly linked to your identity and personal information, and it is essential that each member acts in their own name to ensure the security and integrity of the platform.

Sharing accounts or allowing another person to use your account violates our terms of use and may result in the suspension or deletion of your account. We encourage you to keep your login credentials confidential and never share them.

On Artistswap, you can exchange:

• Housing: through cross-mobility exchanges or as an accommodation solution.
• Studios: as part of a cross-mobility exchange or a shared workspace arrangement.
• Tools and equipment: Artistic or technical materials, subject to an agreement with your partner.
• Professional networks: Sharing contacts or opportunities to enrich your projects and collaborations.

The terms of exchange are mutually agreed upon between partners. For example, you can exchange a home for a studio or combine multiple elements (housing + studio) based on each party's needs and resources.

The goal is to uphold the principles of mutual aid and reciprocity that drive the platform. Clear communication before the exchange ensures that everyone is satisfied.

Memberships are valid for one year and are non-refundable. You can cancel the automatic renewal at any time.

You can update your profile and listings by logging into your account and going to the "My Profile" section. Make the necessary changes and save them to make them visible to other members.

No, Artistswap does not collect your personal data for commercial purposes. Only technical data related to your use of the platform (such as interactions and pages visited) may be collected, but only to improve usability and user experience. Furthermore, Artistswap has no access to the messages exchanged between members and does not store them, ensuring the confidentiality and security of your communications.

Artistswap takes great care in verifying the profiles of each user to ensure an authentic and secure community. We have implemented measures to validate information and reduce the risks of fraud or identity theft. However, as with any platform for exchanges between individuals, malicious users may attempt to impersonate a member by mimicking their identity (for example, by using similar logos, colors, or vocabulary).
If you receive suspicious messages via email or SMS, or if you have doubts about a member's identity, we recommend taking the following precautions:
– Ne partagez aucune information personnelle (adresse, email, téléphone, etc.) en dehors de la plateforme.
– Privilégiez les échanges via la messagerie sécurisée d’Artistswap, qui garantit la confidentialité des communications.
– Restez vigilant·e et soyez attentif·ve aux incohérences dans les informations fournies par votre interlocuteur.
If you suspect an identity theft attempt, immediately contact our support at contact@artistswap.net, and we will take the necessary steps to investigate and protect the security of the community.

The messaging system allows you to contact other members to arrange your exchanges. Each new conversation is recorded, and you can view the history of your exchanges in your inbox. We recommend scheduling one or more virtual or in-person meetings to get to know each other before finalizing the details.

Artistswap operates on a reciprocal exchange model without any monetary transactions between participants. The platform does not facilitate money transfers and advises against using them.

Artistswap implements measures to ensure the reliability of its members:
– Profils vérifiés : Nous validons les informations de chaque utilisateur inscrit.

– Messagerie sécurisée : Toutes les communications passent par notre plateforme, garantissant leur confidentialité.
You can also:
Communicate with your partner to ask any necessary questions before finalizing an exchange.
Trust is essential in the Artistswap community. Take the time to get to know your partner well before finalizing an agreement.

If a partner cancels an exchange at the last minute, here’s what you can do:

Inform the platform. If the cancellation causes a major issue, notify us so we can assess the situation and adjust your membership if necessary.

Contact your partner directly. Try to understand the reasons for the cancellation and discuss the possibility of rescheduling.

Look for a backup plan. The Artistswap community can help you find an alternative solution, such as another member available in the area.

The logistics of the key exchange should be organized directly between the participants. We recommend clarifying these details before the exchange begins and considering leaving a spare set of keys with a trusted person in case of need or loss.

In case of delayed or canceled transport, inform your partner as soon as possible and discuss alternative solutions. If necessary, contact our support for any additional assistance.

Although it is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to create a written contract or conduct an inventory with your partner, especially in the case of a housing or studio exchange. These documents help clarify expectations and avoid any ambiguity regarding the terms of the exchange, particularly for the management of belongings and space.
A contract or inventory can protect you and ensure that the agreed terms are respected. They serve as a reference in case of a dispute, allowing you to retrieve your belongings in the condition in which you lent them. It is also a way to formalize your mutual commitments, thereby strengthening mutual trust.
Artistswap is simply an intermediary facilitating exchanges and does not get involved in conflicts. Additionally, Artistswap does not cover losses or damages that occur during the exchange.
We also recommend discussing the rules for respecting the space (such as workshop usage hours, expectations regarding maintenance, etc.) to ensure a smooth collaboration.

Si vous êtes confronté à un comportement inapproprié :
Report the user by sending an email to our support at contact@artistswap.net, describing the situation with as many details as possible (screenshots, conversations, etc.).
We will review your report promptly and take the necessary actions, including the suspension or exclusion of the concerned member.

No, Artistswap does not offer legal assistance. As an intermediary, we encourage members to resolve disagreements amicably. If a dispute persists, you will need to seek assistance from legal professionals.
We remain available to guide you through the process or clarify the platform's usage rules.

If any damage occurs during an exchange, such as a broken glass or minor damage, the first step is to contact your exchange partner directly. Explain the situation openly and honestly, and work together to find an amicable solution. This could include replacement of the damaged item, repair, or any other arrangement agreed between you.
At Artistswap, we encourage an approach based on reciprocity and sharing. We are a trusted community where members value mutual understanding and cooperation over conflict. A broken glass or a minor incident should not be allowed to undermine the spirit of mutual support that drives the platform.
– Discutez des règles ou attentes concernant l’usage des biens avant l’échange pour éviter les malentendus.
– Prenez des photos ou réalisez un état des lieux si nécessaire, notamment pour les biens de valeur.
– Si la situation est plus complexe (par exemple, un dommage important), n’hésitez pas à consulter les termes de votre contrat ou à vous appuyer sur votre assurance.
Artistswap, as an intermediary, does not manage these situations directly, but remains available to guide you if you have any questions or doubts. Our aim is to encourage peaceful and rewarding exchanges for all members.

In the event of a major accident during an exchange :
1. Prévenez immédiatement votre partenaire d’échange. Une communication rapide et transparente est essentielle.
2. Contactez votre assurance habitation ou responsabilité civile. La plupart des contrats incluent des clauses pour ces situations, mais vérifiez les détails spécifiques.
3. Documentez les dommages. Prenez des photos et gardez une trace des échanges entre vous et votre partenaire.

If you need help, Artistswap can guide you, but the platform is not directly involved in claims management.

We recommend that you have :
– Une assurance responsabilité civile : Couvre les dommages causés à des tiers ou à leurs biens.
– Une assurance habitation : Inclut une clause pour les échanges temporaires de logement.
– Des garanties spécifiques pour les outils ou équipements professionnels : Certaines assurances proposent des extensions pour protéger vos biens prêtés.
Before the exchange, check the details of your insurance policies and discuss them with your partner to ensure that everyone is covered in the event of an incident.

Before proceeding with a home or workshop exchange, it is important to check whether your home or personal insurance covers the goods you will be making available during the exchange. Artistswap does not take out insurance for users' belongings and cannot be held responsible in the event of damage, theft or loss.
We strongly recommend that you take out temporary insurance if necessary, or make sure that your partner has sufficient cover for any risks. Discussing insurance is one of the things you should clarify with your partner before the start of the exchange, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

In the event of breakage or damage to a tool or item you have loaned, the first step is to discuss the matter directly with your partner to find an amicable solution. It is essential to establish clear and respectful communication to assess the circumstances of the damage and determine the best way to repair or replace the tool.

If you have drawn up an equipment loan contract prior to the exchange, these documents can be used as a reference to clarify the responsibilities of each party in the event of a claim. As Artistswap is only an intermediary, we cannot intervene in the resolution of disputes, nor can we be held responsible for material damage occurring during an exchange.

We strongly recommend that you check whether your civil liability insurance covers damage to loaned or exchanged goods. This insurance can protect you if damage occurs to the tool or item you are lending. It's also important to check that your partner has similar cover to avoid any misunderstandings. An amicable replacement or refund solution should be agreed between you and your partner.

Collaboration between artists and visual arts professionals is strongly encouraged on Artistswap. Sharing ideas or working together can be a source of mutual inspiration and rewarding projects. However, we encourage you to set out the terms of your collaboration using the contract template provided in the resources tab of your user space:
– Propriété intellectuelle : Les idées ou œuvres partagées restent la propriété de leurs auteurs respectifs, sauf accord écrit entre les parties pour co-créer.
– Protégez vos créations : Si vous souhaitez partager un projet, envisagez de signer un accord ou un contrat pour clarifier la propriété des idées ou des œuvres issues de la collaboration.
– Soyez transparent et respectueux. Une communication claire sur les attentes de chacun est essentielle pour éviter tout malentendu.

If you have any doubts about protecting your creations, consult a legal professional or an intellectual property specialist.