Updated August 2025

Overview

The AA2A Artist Support Fund (ASF) offers small financial contributions to help artists cover certain costs related to their AA2A residency.

The fund is usually oversubscribed, so:

• Not all applicants will receive funding.
• Some may receive only part of the amount requested.
  

In 2024–25, the fund was oversubscribed by around 25%. We expect this to increase for 2025–26.

ASF is not a grant. It is an advance payment for anticipated expenses you will incur during your residency. Small differences between your estimate and actual spending are acceptable as long as:

• Costs remain within the ASF guidelines
• You keep appropriate records (e.g. receipts)
  

What the Fund Can Cover

ASF may be used for:

• Travel costs to and from your host institution
• Materials used during the residency
• Childcare (registered or non-registered)
• Disability-related costs needed specifically to participate in the residency
  

Note: We can only support costs that are directly linked to your AA2A residency. You must explain how the funding will be used in this context.

Commitment to the Residency

Even if you do not receive ASF funding, you must still be able to complete the minimum 80 hours on site required by the AA2A scheme.

Keeping Records

If we are audited, you may be asked to provide proof of spending, such as:

• Receipts
• Invoices
  

Payments are usually made in two instalments.

How Much You Can Apply For

Note: You may apply under more than one category if applicable (e.g. disability and low income).

Eligibility Criteria

1. Receiving Benefits

• Specify which benefits you receive
• You must be in receipt of these benefits during your residency
• Evidence may be requested
  

2. Low Income

• Individual income must be under £13,000
• Household income must be under £25,000
• Evidence may be requested
  

3. Disability-Related Support

• Provide a brief outline of your support needs and how they relate to your residency
• Make sure to also discuss access needs with your host institution
  

Eligible Costs in Detail

Travel

• Mileage is paid at up to 25p per mile
• Be realistic about travel; we often find that artists travelling long distances to their residency have a less positive experience
• You must complete at least 80 hours on site
• Please be specific, for example:
  • 20 visits × 4 hours = 80 hours
  • 20 visits = 40 return train journeys × £5 = £200
    

Materials

• Only materials used during the residency period are eligible
  

Capital Items

• Not eligible: e.g. kilns, computers, or other capital equipment
  

Childcare

• Eligible: Registered or unregistered providers such as:
  • Childminders
  • Day nurseries
  • Out-of-school clubs
    
• Not eligible: Informal childcare (e.g. friends or family)
  

Disability-Related Support

ASF can cover support including specialist equipment/assistive devices and:

• Admin assistants: up to £120 per day
• Support workers: up to £300 per day
  

(Arts Council England defines a working day as 8 hours including breaks. Rates should reflect the worker's skills and experience.)

Important:

• Costs must be incurred during the residency period
• Receipts or invoices are required before payment is released
• These costs will be paid in a minimum of two instalments
  

Access Support and Resources

We are committed to making AA2A inclusive. AA2A staff work with host institutions to coordinate support for residents with additional needs.

We’ve compiled a list of support organisations and free/low-cost resources for disabled artists here
https://aa2a.org/resources-for-artists-with-disabilities/

Final Notes

ASF is very limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Please consider whether you can still take part in the residency if:

• You don’t receive any funding
• You receive only part of your request