AA2A information
Host FAQs
If you have any questions not listed here, please contact us directly
We advertise all of our schemes using nationally recognised platforms and partners including Arts Council England’s Arts Jobs, a-n, Axis, Visual Artists Association and our social media channels.
Staff at host institutions select the artists they think are most suitable and will provide the greatest benefit to their students. We’ve found that artists who travel long distances to their host sometimes struggle to fulfil the full 50-100 hours, so travel plans must be realistic.
Up to six visual artists can be hosted as part of a regular package. Please contact us if you would like more (at an additional cost).
In most cases, each host will receive between 15 and 40 applications.
We are an NPO/IPSO funded by Arts Council England and the terms of our funding specifies that we provide residency opportunities for visual artists only. Artists from other art forms can participate but at an added (unsubsidised) cost.
Host institutions can use their artists for up to four 'formal' sessions with students (i.e. anything that would require preparation time; such as talks, technical demonstrations etc). Each artist indicates what kind of sessions they are prepared to do on their application form.
Each AA2A host is allowed a maximum of one 'rollover' placement each year. Hosts have full control over if they want to use this option and if so, who they select as their rollover artist.
AA2A administers a central support fund for artists to cover some of the costs associated with their scheme, primarily travel, childcare and materials. Artists can apply if they are on benefits, have a low income or face costs associated with a disability.
If an institution wishes to offer either additional cash or materials to artists, they are welcome to, but there is no obligation to do this.
Artists should have 50 - 100 hours access to the facilities at your university/college. In reality, many artists (with permission of the host) end up being more involved that this. In a typical year, artists average around 120 hours on campus.
Hours of access should be discussed with prospective resident artists at the application/interview stage. We recommend that at least 50 hours should overlap with when students are present on campus.
You are not required to offer a dedicated workspace or storage facility, but doing so is always appreciated if possible.
It is made clear to applicants that they must fit in around the curriculum and that the priority for hosts is their students. Artists are expected to be self-sufficient after their initial introductions to staff and inductions.
We recommend running schemes over this period as it gives hosts and artists enough time to manage a successful scheme. We are happy to consider schemes starting earlier or later but residencies must start by early December at the latest. Schemes have a scheduled end at any time between April and the end of June but you can offer extensions to some or all of your artists.
