Visual Art Residencies – Free access to workshops, equipment and facilities
AA2A
AA2A offers practising artists access to specialist workshops, equipment and facilities at universities and colleges across England through residencies running from autumn 2026 to spring/summer 2027.
AA2A (Artists Access to Art Colleges) is a national artist residency programme supporting practising artists to access specialist facilities, workshops, equipment and creative communities at universities and colleges across England.
For 2026/27, AA2A is working with 18 host institutions, offering around 90 residency placements across a wide range of creative disciplines.
Residencies provide artists with at least 100 hours of access during the academic year, generally from autumn 2026 through to spring/summer 2027. Artists can use the facilities available at their host institution to develop their practice, experiment with new processes, make new work or explore new directions.
Participating institutions offer facilities spanning areas including fine art, sculpture and 3D, printmaking, photography, film and video, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and metalwork, digital art and new media, animation, graphic design and games-related practice.
AA2A is open to established practising artists with at least one year of professional practice. Applicants must not be in full-time study during the residency period.
Artists can apply to multiple host institutions where relevant, and are encouraged to tailor their applications to the facilities and opportunities offered by each host.
Please check the individual host information and application deadlines before applying, as deadlines vary between institutions.
How to Apply
Applications are made through the AA2A website.
Choose the host institution(s) whose facilities and location are most relevant to your practice, then submit an application for each host you wish to be considered for.
Application deadlines vary between host institutions, so please check the deadline for your chosen host before applying.
Full information about eligibility, facilities, residency arrangements and individual deadlines is available on the AA2A website.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].