PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: October 8, 2025
Last Updated: October 8, 2025

The Black Studio (“we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit theblackstudio.org, make a purchase, submit materials, or otherwise interact with our services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that helps us operate our organization, fulfill orders, and support artists and writers. This includes:

A. Personal Information You Provide

  • Contact details (name, email address, mailing address, phone number)

  • Payment and shipping details (when you make a purchase or donation)

  • Artist or writer submission materials (portfolios, bios, writing samples, etc.)

  • Any other information you voluntarily provide when communicating with us

B. Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, Squarespace automatically collects certain technical information, such as:

  • Your IP address, browser type, and device information

  • Pages you visit and actions you take on the site

  • Cookies and similar technologies to help us understand how visitors use our site

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Process purchases, donations, and submissions

  • Communicate with you about your orders, submissions, or inquiries

  • Share updates about our exhibitions, programs, and opportunities (if you opt in)

  • Improve our website, services, and community engagement

  • Maintain organizational records and comply with legal obligations

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

3. How We Share Information

We may share your information with:

  • Service providers that help us operate our site (e.g., Squarespace, payment processors, email providers)

  • Legal authorities if required by law or to protect our rights and safety

All third-party providers we work with are required to keep your information secure and only use it for the purposes we specify.

4. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined above — for example, as long as your account or submission remains active, or as required by law for financial recordkeeping.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You may:

  • Request access to or correction of your personal information

  • Opt out of marketing emails at any time by using the “unsubscribe” link in our messages

  • Request deletion of your data by contacting us at info@theblackstudio.org

We will respond to all privacy-related requests within a reasonable timeframe.

6. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal data. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted online.

7. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to other websites or platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third-party sites.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our site means you accept any changes.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:

The Black Studio
📍 Pittsburgh, PA
📧 info@theblackstudio.org
🌐 theblackstudio.org