Call for AA2A Artists
AA2A 30th Anniversary Exhibition at the University of Chester
Call for Artists: AA2A 30th Anniversary Exhibition at the University of Chester
Submission deadline: 11 June 2026, 5pm
AA2A and the University of Chester are delighted to announce an open call for AA2A artists to participate in a special exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of AA2A.
Taking place at Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC) from 16 July – 13 August 2026, the exhibition will bring together artists from across the AA2A community, creating a unique opportunity to showcase work alongside fellow practitioners connected through three decades of residencies, creative exchange and collaboration with further and higher education institutions.
The exhibition is led by the University of Chester in partnership with AA2A and forms part of the University’s CASC Gallery programme. It celebrates the impact of AA2A’s mission: connecting professional artists with universities and colleges to foster experimentation, learning, dialogue and artistic development.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are invited from:
Artists who have completed an AA2A residency at any point during the programme’s 30-year history
Current AA2A Student Ambassadors, in recognition of their support for artists and the scheme
What Can Be Submitted?
Artists may submit up to five works for consideration, including:
Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, textiles and mixed media
Sculpture and installation
Video and audio-visual works
📸 Sophia Rosenthal, AA2A artist in residence 25-26 at New City College
About the Venue
The exhibition will be hosted at CASC – Contemporary Art Space Chester, based at the University of Chester’s Creative Campus Kingsway. CASC has established a strong reputation for presenting contemporary art, supporting emerging and established practitioners and contributing to the cultural life of Chester through an ambitious exhibition programme spanning more than 15 years.
Key Dates
Submission deadline: 11 June 2026, 5pm
Notification of selection: 18 June 2026
Artwork delivery: 19 June – 3 July 2026
Private View: 16 July 2026, 5–8pm
Exhibition dates: 16 July – 13 August 2026
Deinstallation: 14 August 2026
Final collection deadline: 1 September 2026
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the AA2A exhibition submission form, which includes full submission and participation details:
https://aa2a.org/exhibition-submission-form/
We look forward to celebrating 30 years of AA2A with an exhibition that reflects the breadth, diversity and creativity of the artists who have shaped the programme. If AA2A has been part of your journey, we would love to see your work.