The negative reviews are all accurate -- stay away from Artscape - Manager Artscape Employee Review

1.0
Jan 7, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The headquarters is very nice.

Cons

There is nothing good about working at Artscape. If you value your mental and psychological health, you'll stay away. - Unbelievable, unmanageable and completely unreasonable workload that would break even the most hardworking and dedicated staff. - It's extremely difficult to move projects along because everyone is busy with absolutely everything and no one has time to review/approve anything, and so it goes until things spiral out of control. - The GASLIGHTING is off the charts. When things do eventually spiral out of control because of the aforementioned crippling workload, directors/ senior managers will blame you for not moving things along, not making goals etc. In reality, it's not the employee's fault, it's just the institutional system and a result of people prioritizing absolutely everything and not understanding that some projects/goals are just unrealistic and not doable in the timeframe provided. Many times I've heard people say: "Well, maybe you're just not the right KIND OF PERSON for the job, or the RIGHT FIT for this workplace." This is just a major gaslighting attempt in order to dismiss people's very real concerns about their workloads and institutional roadblocks. This needs to end immediately. Toying with people's mental health and emotional well being is NOT A JOKE. - No one is happy, and that's evident. Directors/senior managers are cultish in their attempts try to sell everyone on what a cool/hip place Artscape is, and how great the organizational values are, but it's all just facade. At heart of the issue is the fact that this organization wants to help artists thrive at the expense of its employees (many of whom are actually artists). - Concerns are not taken seriously when employees dare to speak up. This is the most disheartnening part of working here. Your concerns are dismissed as minor, or irrelevant. Nothing is done by directors/senior managers to address employees' crippling workload because it's seen as being THE EMPLOYEE'S fault. - As a result of all of the above, the turnover is massive, which only increases the workload of the people who continue to work there, thus continuing all of this in a never ending loop of unhappiness and instability.

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Artscape Response
6y
We appreciate your comments and we acknowledge that Artscape is a busy organization with many pressing goals to achieve that have resulted in larger workloads for some of our teams. We take responsibility for the burdens that some of our employees have dealt with as they continue to meet and exceed expectations towards Artscape's mission. Workload impact on mental health is an area that we are working on. We have a very dedicated group of workers and we are implementing balance reminders. We have begun helping our managers address workload management in positive ways with their staff. In some cases we have open dialogue to check in with staff and have extended due dates and lowered expectations. Most importantly, we are encouraging and modelling better work-life balance strategies at all levels. This included slowing down operations for the holidays to give everyone so time off to rest and relax at home. This is an ongoing work in progress and our employees are working with us to stay on track in the future. Regards, People & Culture

Explore other reviews about Artscape

5.0
Apr 8, 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

The owner, Joan of Art, is a kind soul.

Cons

The work could be solitary.

4.0
Nov 28, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great job for any artist or creative due to the flexible schedule!

Cons

No cons to think of.

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