AA2A celebrates 30 years with anniversary exhibition

Image: Chris Millward, Lecturer, University of Chester

For 30 years, AA2A has helped shape the careers of some of England’s leading contemporary artists by giving them access to university workshops, studios and specialist facilities.

Since 1996, the residency programme has supported more than 2,000 visual artists across England, offering something increasingly rare: time, space and resources to experiment, develop new ideas and take creative risks. In return, participating artists share their professional experience with students, helping to bridge the gap between education and creative practice.

This summer, AA2A celebrates its 30th anniversary with an exhibition at CASC Gallery, presented in partnership with the University of Chester. Running from 16th July to 13th August, the exhibition reflects on the programme’s history while showcasing the impact it continues to have on artists today.

That impact is reflected in the words of current University of Chester artist in residence Christine Gallagher, who describes her residency as “life changing and transformative beyond all expectation”, adding that it inspired her to pursue the art degree she missed out on earlier in life.

Image: Christine Gallagher, artist in residence 24-25/25-26, University of Chester

The anniversary exhibition is both a celebration of what the programme has achieved and a reminder of the value of investing in artists at every stage of their careers.

AA2A 30th Anniversary exhibition, CASC Gallery, University of Chester, Creative Campus Kingsway, Kingsway, Chester, CH2 2LB

The exhibition runs from 16th July to 13th August, and is open 10:00–16:00 Monday to Saturday. No ticket is required for general visiting. The private view takes place on Thursday 16th July 5-8pm. To attend the private view, register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aa2a-30th-anniversary-exhibition-private-view-tickets-1992825988176

The CASC gallery is located at the rear of Creative Campus Kingsway and adjacent to a large car park. There are disabled parking spaces within 50 metres of the building with smooth pavements and dropped kerbs to facilitate easy use of mobile aids. Entrance points have low thresholds, wide corridors and doors. There are several accessible toilets near the gallery space. The site is secured by CCTV and on-site security personnel.

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