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

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

• We only accept event proposals that feature the original 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 10 tickets are not sold a week in advance, we reserve the right to cancel without a refund of the 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.

• A Story Parlor representative reserves the right to make any upcoming announcements or sponsorship acknowledgments at the top of the event.

• We request that you include a short (5 minute) intermission two-thirds of the way 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 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)

• Story Parlor will project a pre-show slideshow on the main wall at the top of each event (30 minutes in length).

• Story Parlor reserves the right to capture audio for its archive and future use in digital assets.

• Inclusion in the Story Parlor newsletter (which reaches over 2500+ 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

Includes:

• Use of space

• Beer & Wine bar (Includes premium coffee/tea, non-alcoholic, and CBD beverages)

• A Story Parlor staff member on site to run the bar and assist with set-up & breakdown

• Flexible time blocks

• Fri–Sun evenings: $49 per ½ hr ($350 min)

• Mon–Thurs anytime or Sat/Sun afternoons:
  $42 per ½ hr ($225 min)

• Space only rental:
  $32 per ½ hr ($150 min)

• Recurring rentals: Negotiated case-by-case

• Charity events: apply for free Sunday Session 1pm-4pm‍ ‍(awarded at our discretion)

All rentals will be charged a flat $15 admin fee and require a $150 refundable security deposit to hold the date.

Minimum amounts indicate the minimum invoice if the sum of requested services (including add-ons and fees) is less.

Decorations - We recommend decorations that stand on their own or can lay in place by their own weight. i.e- table-toppers or chair covers

We do not allow anything to be afixed to the walls, furniture, or ceiling; No push pins, thumb tags, tape, nails, staples, duct tape, screws etc.

No candles, confetti, glitter, rocks, pebbles, moss, silly string, hay/straw, sand, sequins, rice or bird seed or any other thing that is difficult to fully clean up or could leave allergenic residue.

No decorations or signs on the outside of the building.

Artwork - Any existing artwork or decor on display or exhibition will not be taken down, moved, touched, or covered even momentarily or gently.

No Cooking – To keep the space fresh and odor-free, we do not allow cooking. Catering is allowed, but not if it needs to be reheated in the space. No open flames, including catering candles.

No BYOB- Our alcohol permit does not allow outside alcohol or liquor. We offer a wine and beer bar operated by one of our bartenders which is included by default except for “space only” rentals. Our bar includes non-alcoholic options such as soda, water, coffee, and tea. as well as some light snacks. You are welcome to bring in your own non-alcoholic beverages and food items.

Accessibility – Our main floor (including restrooms) is ADA accessible. Please note: access to our loft and classroom space requires stairs. If you or your guests have specific accessibility needs, we encourage you to reach out in advance so we can best support your visit.

Age Policy – We welcome you and your guests of any age. We have designed our space for persons 16 years and older. Please consider that it may not be appropriate for parties catering to children, and we do not guarantee that it is safe for toddlers.

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.