Short Description:
AA2A encourages artists from all backgrounds to apply for our artist residencies and have a small Artist Support Fund available to support artists with travel, childcare and materials costs, and costs associated with disability. We have a strong track record of supporting artists who face barriers to developing their practice, and we’re committed to making our opportunities as inclusive as possible. You can read more on our diversity page.
Application procedure
- Application packs will be available on the AA2A website from late July with application deadlines in September or occasionally October
- Staff from the institution will assess the suitability of the applications; some institutions include an independent panel member in this process
- Selected artists will be invited to discuss their proposal with relevant staff and technicians with the aim of negotiating an access agreement which suits both parties
- Firm offers will be made to those artists whose proposals can be accommodated
- Once you have an offer, you can apply to AA2A’s Artist Support Fund if you are on benefits or a low income
Selection criteria:
- Project proposal: A considered project outline describing ambition and goals for the residency, which aligns with the host institution’s specific educational objectives, if any, including how it will help your creative development and noting which facilities and equipment will be used
- Proposal for contributing to student development and a commitment to being a positive role model for art students
- Realistic travel plans and an achievable estimate of how much time will be spent at the host with a commitment to attending a minimum of 80 hours
- Clear understanding of residency format – aware of timescales alongside your other obligations and financial situation; must be capable of working independently after equipment and workshop inductions
- Commitment to timely communication with the AA2A team and host staff plus completion of a two-part AA2A evaluation
- Positive, approachable and collaborative attitude
Eligibility:
- Artists must be based in the UK for the duration of the residency
- Artists must have at least one year of professional arts practice
- Artists must have availability within the relevant academic year and commit to 80+ hours on-site
- Artists must be able to work with minimal technical support as the main focus for staff is their students
- Artists must be willing to deliver up to 4 sessions to students (workshop, talk, lecture etc.). Artists can specify what they are prepared to do on their application
Who can’t apply:
- Artists who have been in full or part-time study in the previous academic year
- Artists who have participated in AA2A within the last 2 years
Exceptions:
- Host institutions may offer one Just Graduated place to a BA, MA or PhD student who has at least one year’s previous professional practice
Program Benefits or Awards:
We are pleased to announce we have increased the size of this fund to £7,500 for 2025/26. Please be aware, however, that demand is usually very high, so we can’t guarantee that the full amount requested will be awarded.
Support fund applications will open in September when residency places are confirmed, and close in November. Late applications will be considered in exceptional circumstances, provided there is any money remaining. A link will be provided on this page when applications open.
- Payments will only be made on confirmation of acceptance of a place.
- Artists on benefits associated with low income can apply for up to £400.
- Artists not receiving benefits but with an income below £13,000 and a household income below £25,000 can apply for up to £300.
- Artists with costs associated with disability can apply for up to £700.
- Artists can apply for support with costs associated with disability AND low income/benefits, but must show which costs fall into which category.
Entry Fee:
no entry fee but Artists must have been offered a place before they apply for ASF.
Location: England and Wales
Deadline:
Clicking the link of each host will reveal a document showing their key details and a list of their facilities/equipment (or you can view them all here). Please ensure you read through the entire document before applying to a host.
| Host | Deadline (11:59pm unless stated otherwise) |
| Loughborough University | 31st August |
| Anglia Ruskin University | 1st September (10am) |
| Gloucestershire College | 1st September |
| Leeds Beckett University | 1st September |
| University of Chester | 4th September |
| New City College (London) | 14th September |
| Blackpool School of Arts | 15th September |
| Buckinghamshire New University | 15th September |
| University of Lancashire (formerly UCLan) | 19th September |
| University of Sunderland | 19th September |
| York St John University | 24th September (noon) |
| Nottingham Trent University | 10th October |
Website link:
https://aa2a.org/how-to-apply-residencies/
