Safety tips for traveling artists
Staying safe while traveling to a new space. Practical advice on verifying hosts, setting expectations before arrival, emergency planning, and trusting your instincts.
Research your host
Before accepting an exchange, do your homework. Look at the host's profile, read any reviews from past artists, and check if their space has a web presence outside of Artaway. A quick search can confirm that the space is real and that the host has a track record.
If something seems too good to be true — a luxury space with no reviews, a host who's evasive about details — proceed with caution. Trust is earned through transparency.
Share your itinerary
Always tell someone — a friend, family member, or fellow artist — where you're going, who you're staying with, and when you expect to return. Share the host's contact details and your accommodation address.
Set up regular check-ins, especially for remote or international exchanges. A simple daily text message creates a safety net without being intrusive.
Have an exit plan
Know your options before you arrive. Research nearby accommodation (hostels, hotels, other artists' spaces) in case you need to leave. Keep enough emergency funds for a last-minute transport change.
Have the address of the nearest embassy or consulate if you're abroad. Save local emergency numbers in your phone. These precautions are rarely needed, but having them removes anxiety.
Trust your instincts
If something feels wrong — with the space, the host, or the situation — take it seriously. You don't need to justify your discomfort. It's always okay to leave an exchange early if you feel unsafe.
Communicate concerns early. If a host's behaviour makes you uncomfortable, set a boundary clearly and calmly. If the situation doesn't improve, prioritise your safety over politeness.
Protect your work
Bring documentation of your existing portfolio (digital copies, not originals). If you're creating work during the exchange, discuss intellectual property and ownership upfront. Who keeps the work you create — you, the host, or is it shared?
Back up your digital work regularly. If you're working on physical pieces, photograph them at every stage. Art loss or damage is rare, but documentation provides peace of mind.