This is going to sound as ludicrous as it is, but I’m trying to raise money for a good cause with little experience.
I’ll try and cut to the chase, I’m trying to raise money to help some families in a big way, that deserve it in a big way.

I have a regular 9-5, but make art installations on the side that have done well for a while.

I have floated the idea of a series that has been well received by those in the space to judge, but I think they assume I have the space to carry this out since I’ve dreamt it up.

I need much more room than I have and can afford to carry this out. Is there a way, or opportunities for me to use a commercial property for free? Is there a way to rent/lease for a very nominal fee? 

I’ve seen local spaces go vacant for many months, in some cases years.
[{"id": "irm5di6", "text": "Just to clarify- I am writing this assuming you are basically looking for art studio space and NOT looking for buildings for the art installation to be put on. \n\nI actually know a bit about this. What you are basically going to be looking for is vacant/run(ish) down buildings with landlords who are willing to \"lease\" out the space and you only pay utilities.  This is not uncommon for revitalizing areas.  Google \"art in vacant buildings to revitalize\" \n\nYou will see tons of recent news articles about this. Identify a space and reach out to the landlord. Crappy units or buildings are usually great for getting either discounted rent or just paying utilities. \n\nBasically what you are looking for happens alot more then people realize. Don't be shy reaching out to places about it. Just don't be the asshole artist who abuses the building. \ud83d\ude0a", "replies": [{"id": "irnp15r", "text": "Your assumption was right, thanks for the info!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irnc1d8", "text": "You should also reach out to your local government officials. Cities like to see ground floor retail space occupied and some are going so far as to penalize landlords that have space vacant long term.  There might even be grant money to help with utilities and insurance.", "replies": [{"id": "irre9zk", "text": "Great ideas, thank you!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irnoxrh", "text": "I got a downvote right off the bat so I didn\u2019t have much faith. I came here before I started googling, which may be surprising to some. I appreciate everyone\u2019s feedback.", "replies": [{"id": "irnxli7", "text": "Google is literally my best friend.  CRE is literally changing constantly and it is a people industry. I'm still surprised when I do deals with local agents who I admire (and lowkey think they need less signs around town) that I have been able to save a deal from asking around \ud83d\ude0a", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iroz1va", "text": "You sound like you need a short term month to month triple net lease with the agreed understanding that the landlord will still list/market the property for a more suited long term tenant. Where you can capitalize on their vacancy cheaply, but where they can give you essentially a short notice to vacate.", "replies": [{"id": "irrech2", "text": "Great info and good ideas, thanx!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "irrfol7", "text": "This would depend on where you are, what the vacancy rate is in that area and the desperation of the landlord.\n\nI imagine you'd still have to pay utilities, taxes and kick in some cash per month as well as get insurance and put up a hefty security deposit.  Definitely wouldn't happen around here.\n\nMight be easier if you established a 501(c)(4) charity - but that too could cost you a couple grand and a couple of months to set up.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]