AA2A places professional artists in universities and colleges across England through sustained residencies in visual arts departments. This isn’t a one-off workshop. Students experience professional practice as it really happens over an academic year, through direct engagement with practising artists working alongside them.
Trusted by over 70 institutions and 2,000 artists over the past 30 years, AA2A is a well-established and unique part of the visual arts pipeline, supporting career development for both students and artists.
Image: Christine Gallagher, AA2A artist in residence at University of Chester 24-26
Why it matters for students
Our residencies consistently deliver impact:
Real insight into creative careers and working methods
Workshops, talks and demos introducing new techniques and ideas
Ongoing, informal learning through studio interaction
Access to AA2A’s Creative Futures programme, including employability talks, online seminars, digital resources and the Student Ambassador scheme
Students gain confidence, ambition and a stronger understanding of the creative industries - key drivers of graduate employability.
“It has deeply enriched my college experience and provided me with a good grounding of industry knowledge that will help my creative career.”
- Saul Scott, student
Image: Mollie Balshaw delivering AA2A employability talk at Leeds Beckett University
Why institutions partner with AA2A
Our partner universities and colleges join us to:
Enhance student employability through real-world exposure
Bring fresh, external perspectives into teaching
Maximise use of existing facilities
Build stronger connections with the regional creative community
“The students really enjoyed having the artists around for a prolonged period to see their creative artwork developing over time and to build up a professional relationship with them. Some of these professional art contacts will continue beyond the scheme.”
- Robbie Chapman, Curriculum Leader Art & Design, Course Leader National Diploma Art and Design, Arts Academy, Gloucestershire College
Bring AA2A to your institution
Joining AA2A is straightforward, flexible and designed to work within existing resources. We collaborate with each partner to shape residencies that align with your students, facilities and curriculum.
If you’re looking to strengthen employability, enrich your learning environment and connect students with real-world creative practice, we’d love to work with you.
Get in touch to discuss hosting an AA2A artist residency at your institution.
Contact AA2A Executive Director daniel@aa2a.org
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