• The event must embrace Story Parlor’s core values, including a program that showcases a diverse slate of artists wherever possible.

• We require a $50 to hold the date. (See cancellation and payment policy for details.)

• We only accept event proposals that feature the work of more than one artist (solo acts and bands, would need to go through our rental page). We occasionally work with bands if we feel there is a strong storytelling sensibility, and a thorough marketing plan (see next bullet point).

• We expect robust marketing assistance to accompany Story Parlor’s promotional efforts, with the goal of programming a “sold-out” event (our capacity is 49 guests). Please note, if 20 tickets are not sold in advance, the event partner forfeits their event deposit.

• We request help with set-up and breakdown of the facility, and leaving it in excellent condition for the next community member’s use.

• Participating artists must be provided with some form of compensation for their performance.

• The partner agrees to act as the event host and emcee, while also serving as an ambassador of Story Parlor’s mission.

• We ask that you include a short (5 minute) intermission halfway through the show.

• Event must end at the pre-determined end time! While there is a little flexibility here, if the event goes well over the agreed upon end time, they are subject to forfeiting their $50 deposit.

• Programming may not include hate speech, racial slurs, or bigoted material; religious or anti-religious themes; or political messaging/fundraising of any kind.

• Exclusive use of the Story Parlor main room and loft, along with the necessary tables and chairs required for a successful event

• Bar services (we have a full beer/wine bar, with plenty of N/A options as well)

• Inclusion in the Story Parlor newsletter (which reaches over 1700 local subscribers), so long as content is provided at least 3 weeks in advance

• Recirculation in our social media stories of anything we are tagged in (our handle is @storyparloravl), to a reasonable degree

• The event listed on our online and in-person community boards

• The handling of registrations/ticket sales along with inventory updates

• The use of our basic equipment, to include sound and lighting (note, our AV equipment is minimal, including one Bose S1 speaker and two Shure mics — anything else will need to be provided by you). Please note, we do not have a sound board or a sound person! You’re welcome to play your own house music over bluetooth as folks arrive, and during intermission.

Mission

Story Parlor is a cooperative arts venue featuring storytelling and the exploration of the human condition through community-driven programming. Committed to impacting positive change through the transformative power of storytelling through all art mediums, Story Parlor champions the artists of Western North Carolina through events, classes, community building, and advocacy.

Core Values + Objectives

• Connect audiences and artists from varying creative backgrounds and interests

• Inform, inspire, and invigorate through the arts

• Promote and foster self-inquiry and mindfulness

• Cultivate creative exchange and cultural insight

• Foster authenticity and inclusiveness

https://storyparloravl.com/policies

Event partners have the option of one of three payment scenarios:

1) A flat rate, determined by the day and time requested, which can be deducted from the total ticket sales upon the event’s end.

2) A 40/60 door split (40% to Story Parlor; 60% to contracting party).

3) All proceeds (after participating artists are paid) are donated back to Story Parlor (a volunteer run arts organization) in the effort to support its programmatic and operational costs.

In all of the above scenarios, if there are multiple artists booked, there must be some sort of compensation offered for their participation. Event partners are responsible for issuing artist stipends.

All event collaborations will require a $50 deposit to secure the event date, which will be applied back to the base rental fee or door split minus a $15 processing fee (depending on what was agreed to). If 20 tickets are not pre-sold, the event partner forfeits their $50 deposit. (Note — the 20 tickets must be sold in advance; any tickets sold at the door are not included in the pre-sale count.)

Further, if 10 tickets are not pre-sold within one week of the event, Story Parlor reserves the right to cancel the event and the Contracting Party forfeits their deposit.

Any cancellation requests are to be received in writing. If the facility cancels the event within the first 72 hours, then the Contracting Party’s deposit will be fully refunded. If the Contracting Party should cancel their event within 72 hours of signing the agreement, the Contracting Party agrees to pay Story Parlor a $25 administration fee to be deducted from the deposit. If written notice is received after 72 hours of executing the agreement, the full $50 deposit will be forfeited.

Smoking

There is absolutely no smoking allowed inside the building or on the general premises.

Pets

No pets are permitted on the premises.

Open Flames

The use of fire, open flames, candles, bunsen burners, and/or incense is prohibited.

Gifts and Personal Affects

Please ensure that all personal items and gifts are accounted for prior to leaving the building. Story Parlor will not be responsible for equipment, lost items, gifts, or decorations left during or after the rental.

Decorations

The use of push pins, thumb tags, and masking tape for decorating are permitted. The use of nails, staples, duck tape, or screws are prohibited and shall not be affixed to the interior or exterior of the facility. The use of candles, confetti, glitter, rocks, pebbles, moss, silly string, hay/straw, sand, sequins, rice or bird seed are prohibited in the building or on the grounds. Decorations may NOT be hung from the ceiling tiles (floating or inflated balloons are allowed as long as not attached to the ceiling). Decorations on the outside of the building and grounds are NOT permitted. No alterations of any kind or type shall be made. The Contracting Party shall not injure, deface, mark, damage, or destroy the facility or grounds.

Artwork

Any artwork on display or exhibition will not be taken down, moved, touched, or covered during the scheduled event.

Photographs & Sound Recording

Story Parlor reserves the right to take photographs and record sound of contracted events and to subsequently use such photographs for its own purposes, such as marketing.