Q. Is there a grant for artists?
Q. Where can I get an application form for AA2A ?
A. Send your request (preferably by email) with your full contact details to the email (or phone number) from the list on the Colleges pages. Application Packs are only available directly from the Colleges because they adapt a standard form to suit their scheme. Some packs may not be ready until the end of July but you can start to plan your application using the How to Apply webpage. You can get more information about each scheme by clicking on the college name in the College list.
Q. When are the deadlines for applications ?
Q. Can I apply if I haven't got a degree or even been to college ?
Q. What are my chances of being accepted ?
Q. Can I apply to more than one College or University ?
Q. I haven't received an application pack and I can't get through to the institution on the phone. Can you help ?
A. Yes. Contact the AA2A national team and they will chase it up and ensure you get a pack. Meanwhile, you can start planning your application using the information in the How to Apply section of our website.
Q. Can Artists from abroad apply?
A. Although Artists from outside England are not specifically excluded from applying, AA2A has been set up to suit artists living near the college they are applying to. Also, there is no money or help available for travel from abroad, Visas, accommodation or living costs, making it impractical for most artists from abroad to apply.
Q. Is AA2A a course and will I receive a qualification for taking part?
A. No. The scheme is for professional Artists to develop their work not for students as there is no teaching or training provided.
Q. I have a disability - is there a financial help ?
A. If you have financial needs directly as a result of your disability, AA2A has a small budget which can be used to help. We would suggest that applicants first ask the institution what practical help they can offer and then apply to us using the online Support Fund form. If applying for costs associated with a disability there is not a maximum claim. In the past we have paid for a support worker for an artist with cerebral palsy, a communicator for a deaf artist, taxis for a wheelchair user etc.
Q. Who do I contact to find out if the facilities are accessible ?
A. First ask the College by email or phone. You will probably be put through to an appropriate member of staff or a technician, or you may be routed through to dedicated 'Access' staff (if they have them). If you can't get an answer from the College, contact the AA2A national team and we will try and find out for you.
Q. Does AA2A really want disabled artists ?
Q. Can I apply to any institution or does it have to be one near me ?
A. Yes. You can apply to any institution although travel and accommodation are obviously a consideration. If you cannot afford the travel you can apply for help towards these costs from the Artists Support Fund if you are on benefits associated with low income or earn less than £12,000.
Q. When can I use my hours and can I use them in blocks ?
A. Artists are offered at least 100 hours access between October and April. Many institutions will allow you to use more and some offer extensions beyond April. In the application form you can propose to use the hours in blocks or spread across the period. Your final access arrangements will depend on what the institution can offer and whether this suits you, so if you can be flexible it may help your application.