QUESTIONS THAT YOU COULD, MIGHT, AND PROBABLY WILL ASK
Some Questions of the General Variety
Where are you? Is there a storefront?
Yes. And no. We host our public programs in venues around the Bay Area. We launched last October with a residency at Makeshift Society, and have since collaborated with Impact Hub Oakland, Case for Making, Kala Institute, and Kaleidoscope Cafe, amongst others. When we announce our programs, we'll let you know the venue. We also occasionally program outside and around the city. So depending on the subject, you might find yourself in Golden Gate Park, strolling around the Mission, or over in Point Richmond for some of our events.
At the same time, we’re working towards an actual storefront space in the wonderful, exorbitantly expensive Bay Area. We’ll tell you more about that as we go along.
Why are you called Storefront Institute?
We wanted something that would convey the idea of an institution actually being in a community – not in some rarefied cultural or academic quarter. Storefront Institute is about our lives, so it should be situated within our everyday realities – present in and responsive to the issues of 21st century environments and 21st century lives.
Wait. Are you Storefront Lab?
No, they are our cultural peers. We love what they do. You should check them out too – Storefront Lab. As people start to consider the shape of our lives, intellectually and emotionally, organizations are responding too – from different perspectives (whether art, music, culture, philosophy, body work) and in different programmatic forms. We’re grateful for the company!
Are you looking for practitioners?
If you are interested in becoming a practitioner, get in touch. We have our ideas about who we want to work with, but we’re open to suggestions and always like to meet new people and hear about different perspectives. So if you think something you do could be a good fit for Storefront Institute let us know who you are, what you do, and why you think Storefront could be a good match. Contact us at hello@storefrontinstitute.com.
Do I need to prepare before class?
Sometimes. We’ll let you know if a practitioner would like you to fill in an exercise, or read something, or just consider a question in advance. We know you probably have more than enough to do, so we’ll be sympathetic to the reality of our lives – while trying to give you something to think about and sometimes do, on the bus, in the shower, before you fall asleep at night, while waiting for your latte.
Any follow-up afterwards?
We love homework, but you might not. Each of our practitioners will give you suggestions – where to go next, what to look up, a book that changed their life. What you do with that is up to you.
Where can I do more? What next?
Thanks for asking this one, as it’s the reason for Storefront Institute. You’ve found something that works for you, you like being in this place of thinking about your life, and you are not prepared again to retreat to your own personal and private place that you’ve till now been depending on. Storefront Institute has a number of program strands, so we suggest digging around on the website and finding the things that spark your interest and curiosity.
What if a session is sold out?
We’ll add you to a waiting list and if a spot comes up we’ll let you know.
I’m dealing with some big problems in my life and feel like I’m in a crisis mode.
This is important. If you are in psychological or life crisis, our Programs aren’t the right fit for you at this time. We would suggest that you seek out an appropriate resource to assist with your crisis – medical help, call 911, or find psychiatric support or counseling.
I love this. Can I help?
We’re brand new, so help us spread the word, attend our programs and keep up to date on news about our space (or if you know of a space that is calling our name…). Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check-out our Instagram and Pinterest pages, read our Medium posts, subscribe to our newsletter, tell your friends all about us – and attend our programs!
Open Classroom
Can I take just one of Storefront's lessons or do I have to take all of them?
We’ve designed all our programs so you can pick and choose. So take one class, two, three, four, whatever works for you!
Is there a certificate?
No. We’re here to help you in your learning and practice as an on-going part of your life. We’re not about the qualifications bit.
How long is an "open classroom"?
Two to three hours depending on the subject. There'll be some time for a break, a coffee and a chat with your classmates should you be feeling social that day.
PRACTICE STUDIO
It’s raining? What now?
If we’re going to press ahead, we'll let you know. And if we are forced to cancel, we'll let you know that too.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, we’re happy to have them, but you’ll need to book a ticket for them, as well as you.
Can I just show up at the meeting place?
Afraid not. You’ll need to get a ticket in advance, as we anticipate that our programs will sell out fast. If there’s a special location you need to meet at, we’ll email that to you.
POP-UP OFFICE HOURS
How long is an hour?
Here we have borrowed the idea of the therapeutic hour. If your session starts on the hour, you’ll have fifty minutes with your practitioner. Don’t worry. We’ll watch the clock. You can relax.
Is it confidential?
Yes. We take your lives, your stories, and what you bring into a conversation, seriously. And we want you to feel ok, good even, and safe about what you share.
How much does it cost?
We have tried to keep costs as low and affordable as possible. We don’t think these programs should be a lifestyle add-on but a continuous life practice.
Can I bring a friend?
Depends. We know that it feels good to have someone with you. For most Office Hours it’s very much that one-on-one relationship that we’re exploring, but if it’s possible to widen that out (usually to couples) we’ll let you know in the blurb.
Tickets
Do I really need a ticket? Can I just show up?
We’d love to have you join us, but you need to buy a ticket in advance. You can purchase one here.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No need. You’ll receive an email confirmation that will suffice and we’ll have your details at the door.
What is the refund policy?
Sorry we can’t offer refunds. If something comes up and you really can’t make it, you can sell or gift the ticket to a friend. Email tickets@storefrontinstitute.com if you need help with transferring a ticket to someone else.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
Storefront Institute’s programs are targeted at adults, so much as we love kids, you’ll need to leave them home for this one.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
A curious mind, your favorite pen or pencil and a notebook will work just fine. We’ll provide something snack-ish. Where there are specific things you should bring with you to a particular event, we’ll send those details to you via email in advance.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
We love to hear from you. Email us at hello@storefrontinstitute.com if you need anything before or after the event! If you have questions about our venues or any of our practitioners, that’s also the best email to use.
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
Yes, send us an email to tickets@storefrontinstitute.com with the new person’s information.
Can I update my registration information?
Yes, email us any registration updates to tickets@storefrontinstitute.com.
What if I have other questions?
Say hi to us at hello@storefrontinstitute.com.
Something from us on photography.
We’re planning on documenting some events for our archive, website, and general promotional purposes. If you really don’t want us to include you in our photos let us know in advance. Otherwise, we’ll take it that you are happy with this. And thank you! You look good!