How to apply for the scheme

Links to application packs for host institutions are on their individual AA2A webpages

Institutions interested in hosting a scheme can contact AA2A's National Director

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General info

  • For more about AA2A placements click here or see our 'FAQs'
  • We usually have between 10 and 14 Unis/Colleges hosting AA2A schemes. The current list can be found here
  • Host institutions hope to be able to offer 100 hours access
  • Schemes normally run from October to at least April
  • Application deadlines vary, but all are in September

Eligibility

  • All applicants must have at least one year's professional practice
  • Applicants must not have been engaged in any full, or part time study, which allowed access to workshops to work on their own practice for more than 4 hours a week, at an art college or similar institution in the previous year (exceptions listed below for some recently graduated BA, MA and PhD students who have one year's previous professional practice)
  • Most host institutions offer one 'Just graduated' placement to a BA, MA or PhD student. Always check with the institution before applying
  • A few institutions may prefer to offer their 'Just graduated' placement to one of their BA students on a similar basis but this is usually by invitation only
  • Artists on AA2A schemes from 2020 to 2021 OR BEFORE, can reapply in 2023
  • Artists must have their own place of work and be able to work with minimal technical support. Institutions may not be able to offer a dedicated work space or storage facilities

Application procedure

  • Application packs will be available from the AA2A website during the summer, usually around late July with application deadlines typically in September
  • Relevant staff from the institution and an independent panel member will assess the suitability of the applications
  • 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 Artists Support Fund if you are on benefits or a low income

Selection criteria

  • The project aims to ensure that artists are encouraged to take part in the schemes regardless of age, gender, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, socio-economic or educational background
  • The selection of artists will be on the basis of their commitment, need, ability to make best use of the opportunity. Also the suitability of their project, their proposals to interact with students and their professionalism as an artist
  • With the exception of some Artists with disabilities, applicants will be expected to show evidence of at least *one year's professional practice (not necessarily as a self employed person) *see note below

The application form

These are tailored slightly for each individual host, but all ask for the following information:-

  • Outline any previous experience or knowledge of art college/school environments
  • How you would try to ensure that students benefited from your presence e.g. whether you would feel able to do formal or informal presentations of your work, a technical demonstration, record your project on AA2A's website, etc.
  • Which of the department's facilities / equipment you would want to use
  • Your level of experience using these types of equipment
  • Any preferred days or hours of access? There is an expectation that at least 50 of the 100 hours offered are used, to ensure students benefit from seeing you working
  • Describe the type of work or project you want to use the facilities for
  • Explain how the access will enable you to develop your work
  • Describe any particular aims or outcomes you want to achieve
  • Provide up to 300 words summarising your answers to the three questions above (for your AA2A web profile)
  • Provide a C.V. outlining your professional experience and relevant qualification
  • Provide the name and address of a referee, who can be contacted if necessary
  • Send up to 10 images of your work, also a photo of yourself, which can be used on our website or in the university, so that students can identify you

* If you feel that you have a disability which has impeded your ability to fulfil this criteria, you can ask that this condition be disregarded. You'll only then be required to demonstrate that you have sustained a professional attitude and commitment to your work over the same period.

AA2A has five Disability Champion organisations - The Art House, Shape, DASH, Accentuate and Flow help us promote AA2A to their membership and contacts. Although they cannot give information about individual schemes, they will be able to tell you of our very real commitment to diversity. They will pass general enquiries through to us or you can contact individual institutions directly. If you have any difficulties contacting institutions please contact us.