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How to Get Reimbursed for Project Expenses as an Artist

Learn what project expenses are reimbursable, how to request approval, and how to submit receipts to get paid correctly and on time.

Updated this week

If you incur out-of-pocket costs while working on a WXLLSPACE project, you may be eligible for reimbursement.

However, not all expenses qualify. This guide explains:

  • What gets reimbursed

  • What does not

  • How to get approval

  • How to submit receipts correctly

This ensures you get paid without delays or rejections.


When This Applies

This applies when:

  • You are working on an active WXLLSPACE mural project

  • You need to purchase materials, travel, or equipment

  • You plan to submit expenses for reimbursement

  • You are booking travel or accommodations


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Confirm the Expense Is Eligible

Check that the expense falls into an approved category:

  • Materials (from project estimate)

  • Travel (flights, transportation)

  • Lodging (standard hotels)

  • Equipment rentals

  • Permits or site fees

If it is not listed or unclear, assume it is NOT reimbursable until approved.


Step 2: Get Pre-Approval

Before purchasing:

  1. Email the Project Manager (Isabel)

  2. Include:

    • Item description

    • Cost

    • Why it is needed

  3. Wait for written approval

Do not purchase until approval is confirmed.

Exceptions:

  • Emergency replacements

  • Small items under $50 (still require receipts)


Step 3: Make the Purchase

Once approved:

  • Buy only the approved items

  • Stay within the approved amount


Step 4: Save Your Receipts

You must keep:

  • Itemized receipts (not just totals)

  • Clear photos or PDFs

  • Vendor name, date, and line items

Credit card statements alone are not accepted.


Step 5: Submit Your Expenses

Submit all receipts:

  • Within 7 business days of project completion

  • With all required documentation

Late submissions may be rejected.


Step 6: Receive Reimbursement

Approved reimbursements are:

  • Added to your final payment

  • Paid via ACH, check, or wire


Requirements / Rules

You must follow all of the below:

  • All expenses must be pre-approved

  • Receipts must be itemized and legible

  • Submission deadline: 7 business days after project completion

  • Travel must go through WXLLSPACE (Navan) when required

  • Airbnb/VRBO reimbursed at max 60% of cost


Non-reimbursable expenses include:

  • Food or daily meals

  • Gas or mileage

  • Parking fees

  • Personal insurance

  • Entertainment or personal purchases

  • Hotel extras (minibar, upgrades)

  • Any unapproved expense


Common Mistakes

1. Buying without approval

Result: Expense is rejected

2. Submitting late receipts

Result: Payment may be denied

3. Sending credit card statements only

Result: Not accepted

4. Booking Airbnb expecting full reimbursement

Result: Only 60% reimbursed

5. Assuming small costs are automatically covered

Result: Must still follow rules


F. FAQs

Q: Can I buy materials without approval if they seem necessary?

No. All expenses must be approved before purchase unless it is an emergency.


Q: What happens if I submit receipts late?

Receipts submitted after 7 business days may be rejected.


Q: Can I book my own flights?

No. Flights must be booked through WXLLSPACE’s travel system when applicable.


Q: Why is Airbnb only partially reimbursed?

Homesharing introduces risk. WXLLSPACE limits reimbursement to 60% due to liability exposure.


Q: When do I get reimbursed?

Reimbursements are included in your final project payment once approved.


Related Actions

After reading this:

  • Submit any pending expenses immediately

  • Confirm all future purchases are pre-approved

  • Coordinate travel through WXLLSPACE when required


5. RELATED ARTICLES

  • How Artist Payments Work (Design, Setup, Final)

    Explains how reimbursements tie into your total payout

  • Travel Booking Guide for Artists (Navan)

    Details how to book flights and hotels correctly

  • What Happens During Mural Installation

    Explains when expenses typically occur during projects

  • Change Orders and Additional Project Costs

    Covers how new expenses outside scope are handled


6. INTERNAL NOTES (NOT USER-FACING)

  • Strict enforcement needed on 7-day submission window to protect cash flow

  • Escalate exceptions to Jordan only

  • Watch for repeated violations from same artist

  • Cross-reference with Artist Agreement reimbursement clauses

  • Align with BVA and final payment calculation SOP

  • High-risk areas:

    • Unapproved materials

    • Airbnb disputes

    • Missing receipts


CONNECTED ITEMS

Underlying Policy:

  • Artist Expense Reimbursement Policy

Related SOPs:

  • BVA (Budget vs Actual) Processing SOP

  • Artist Final Payment Calculation SOP

  • Travel Booking & Coordination SOP

Related Help Center Articles:

  • Artist Payment Structure

  • Travel Booking Guide

  • Project Installation Guide

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