Privacy, booking & cancellation policies

Dharamkot Studio is an independent ceramics and creative arts studio in Dharamkot, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. We collect only the information you share through the course application, email, or WhatsApp.

Information we may collect

• Contact details, including your name, email address, phone number, and city.
• Your date of birth and optional background information such as nationality, occupation, Instagram, education, and creative experience.
• Your CV, portfolio, or relevant work you upload or link to, plus your course experience, motivation, and future intentions.
• Your answers to the health, mobility, allergy, and wellbeing questions. You may answer None or Prefer not to say without disclosing details.
• Photographs, video, ceramic work, and feedback created or shared during the course.

How we use it

• Review and process your application, confirm a batch place, and communicate course logistics.
• Prepare the studio and accommodation for your needs where you choose to share relevant information.
• Process payments and meet accounting obligations.
• Document studio life and improve future course cohorts through anonymised feedback.

A response to each health and wellbeing question is required, but sharing personal details is optional. You may answer None or Prefer not to say. Any details you choose to share are never used to disadvantage an application and are read only by the core studio team responsible for running the course. They are never shared with other participants, third parties, or partners.

We do not sell your information or share it with advertisers. Limited third-party access may be required for payment processing, Google Workspace course records, or where required by law.

Course participant records are kept for up to three years after the course; unsuccessful applications for up to twelve months; and financial records for seven years. Photographs where consent was given may be kept indefinitely, unless you ask us to remove them. You may ask to access, correct, or delete your personal information where legally possible, or withdraw photography consent, by emailing info@dharamkotstudio.com.

Photography during the course

We may photograph and film studio life, including the process, space, people, and work, for the studio website, Instagram, and other studio communications. Photography consent is requested separately in the application; you may withdraw it at any time during the course. We will then avoid photographing you or publishing existing images of you.

Security

Application and course data is stored in Google Workspace using its standard security protections. We do not store payment card details. If we become aware of a breach affecting your personal data, we will contact you promptly.

Your place is confirmed only after Dharamkot Studio has received the 30% booking amount and sent you written confirmation.

• The 30% booking amount is non-refundable in all circumstances.
• The remaining 70% balance is due before the course begins. Your acceptance email will confirm the payment schedule and bank details.
• We recommend being certain that you are available for the full five weeks before making payment.

Cancellation and absence

• The 30% booking amount remains non-refundable.
• Once the course begins, no refund is available for the booking amount or any balance paid.
• If you leave early, miss a significant part of the course, or cannot complete it for any reason, no refund, credit, replacement session, or compensation is available.

Rescheduling before the course

• For a genuine emergency, contact the studio in writing at manoj@dharamkotstudio.com as soon as possible before the course begins.
• One reschedule to a future Dharamshala batch may be offered, subject to availability and the studio's reasonable discretion.
• Your 30% booking amount carries forward. If the new batch costs more, the difference is due before its start date.
• Rescheduling is not available after the course has started.

If Dharamkot Studio cancels or postpones a batch

We will offer either a full refund of all amounts paid or a transfer to the next available Dharamshala batch at no extra charge, and will give as much notice as possible.

For a package that includes on-site accommodation, the stay is part of the five-week course package and follows the same cancellation terms. Leaving early does not create a refund for unused nights. Room allocation is at the studio's discretion and may be adjusted for group size and composition.

Dharamkot Studio is not responsible for travel costs, external accommodation, visa fees, or other expenses incurred in connection with the course. Personal travel insurance that covers course cancellation is recommended.

For booking, cancellation, or rescheduling queries, email info@dharamkotstudio.com with the subject: Booking / Cancellation / Rescheduling — [Your Name] — [Batch Date].

We confirm receipt within two working days and process confirmed refunds within ten working days. Privacy requests are answered within 14 days; general contact messages within five working days.