If you are an eligible artist, what can AA2A do for you? Here are the main benefits: 

• Free access to specialist equipment, workshops and facilities at universities and colleges across England.
• Become part of an academic and creative community, with opportunities to meet and network with artists, students and staff, collaborate across departments, and attend events and private views.
• Use university resources, including libraries and lecture programmes, where available.
• Professional development opportunities, including free online AA2A employability seminars and in-person employability talks
• Financial support through the Artist Support Fund, which can contribute towards travel, childcare, materials and disability-related costs for eligible artists.
• Opportunities to exhibit and develop your practice – some host institutions offer exhibitions, commissions or paid work alongside the residency.
• Promotion through AA2A's social media, where we regularly share and highlight the work of participating artists.
• Discounted AXIS membership for AA2A artists
• Join a national network of artists, with AA2A bringing together artists and universities and colleges across England each year, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.

Key findings from our 2023-26 artist evaluation forms: 

• 98% of residents would recommend AA2A to other artists
• Residents gave an average score of 9.1 out of 10 when asked, “How important can AA2A be to an artist’s career development?”
• Residents gave an average score of 9.4 out of 10 when asked, “How important is AA2A as a national project?”
• Residents gave their host’s facilities an average rating of 4.5 out of 5
• Residents gave an average score of 4.5 out of 5 when asked, “To what extent did your AA2A residency help you achieve a valuable outcome?”

How to apply for an AA2A residency