Burlington Potters Guild Members,

In July we sent you an update on the upcoming changes that will be happening at the AGB.  In response to that letter, we had many questions which we collated and sent to the AGB’s executive director.  We have received some more information, but we still have many unanswered questions.

Key Changes at AGB

There will be new Classes of Memberships at AGB:

  • Friend of the AGB – NO access to the studios (starts at $35/year)

  • NEW Studio Access Membership

    • Starts at $175/year, but current guild members, (they) will be allowed to renew for 2025 and 2026 year at the current rate of $90.    

    • NEW Studio Access Membership allows access to ALL the studios at the AGB

    • Members will be required to book their time in any studio through a new booking system they are developing. (this will not be implemented right away)

    • Orientation to studio space will be provided by AGB - all members, including current Guild members will be required to attend.

    • At some point (to be determined), the AGB Studio Access Membership fee will increase to $325/year with the goal of $650/year in the new facility.

Addition Information

  • If a guild does not allow non-guild studio members to use Guild-owned equipment, AGB is requesting that Guilds remove equipment from the premise

  • We will be losing our current lockers/shelves as the AGB will take over allocating space.  We are unsure WHEN or HOW this will happen.

  • Guild Days will no longer exist. Studio access will be available to all AGB Studio Access Members in open access time-slots that balance the needs of the AGB Learning Department and Studio Access Member users, ensuring fair and equitable access for all members

  • Training: AGB will ensure the proper use of studio spaces and equipment through active monitoring by staff and technicians.

  • Members will be required to complete a mandatory orientation, led by AGB staff or approved technicians

  • No increase in studio availability

  • Once implemented, the booking system will require each studio member to book their time at the studio. There will be limits to how much time each person can book each week.  At this time, we are unaware of what the limits will be.

  • Any Guilds wishing to propose workshops or demos must do so through the AGB Learning Team.  We are not sure if this means our monthly speakers/demos at our private member nights will have to be approved by AGB.

  • In the current space, the Guilds may continue to present two annual sales without rental fees. The future new-building Sale policy is not yet determined.

  • AGB Kiln firing fees will be reassessed in 2026, with annual increases thereafter. 

    • Our electric kiln will have to be removed unless we allow non-members to fire in it. We have been told that we will have at least a year before this happens.

    • Training and booking of the GAS kiln will remain with our guild until the AGB buys our half of the gas kiln. At that time, AGB would take over training/booking.

Upcoming Actions & Timeline

We are continuing to seek clarification from AGB on unresolved matters. We will provide updates as soon as possible. All these changes are expected soon, but exact timing is still unknown.

Member Survey—We Need Your Input!

Your feedback is crucial in shaping our future direction. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey

MEMBER SURVEY

Your responses will directly inform our planning and advocacy efforts.

We are committed to keeping you informed as we learn more. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at bpgpresident2@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support!

Lisa Koster, BPG President