Why Apply for an AA2A Residency?

Time, space, and support to take your practice further.

For practicing artists at any stage, AA2A residencies provide a rare moment to break away from routine and reconnect with your creative ambitions - offering time, space, and invaluable support. Here's why applying can be transformative:

• Access to specialist facilities – Dive into equipment and workspaces you might not otherwise access: from printmaking and ceramics to digital labs, 3D tech, darkrooms, VR, photography and filmmaking kits. See host facilities.

• Dedicated creative time – Focus on experimentation, development, or pushing boundaries in your practice without everyday distractions.

• Engagement with future creatives – Engage students with workshops or talks; inspire and be inspired in return by their creative energy.

• A national, supportive community – Join a growing network of UK artists across disciplines—boosting your visibility and professional opportunities.

• Continued professional development – Benefit from AA2A’s resources—talks, videos, the Creative Futures programme, and the Artist Support Fund to help with materials, travel, childcare or disability-related costs

Important: Upcoming Host Deadlines

Applications for the 2025–26 AA2A residencies are open now, with all deadlines approaching swiftly. Below is the full list of host institutions and their application deadlines (all deadlines are set at 11:59 pm unless stated otherwise):

Host Institution
Application Deadline:

Loughborough University
31 August 2025
Anglia Ruskin University
1 September 2025 (10 am)
Gloucestershire College
1 September 2025
Leeds Beckett University
1 September 2025
University of Chester
4 September 2025
New City College (London)
14 September 2025
Blackpool School of Arts
15 September 2025
Buckinghamshire New University
15 September 2025
University of Lancashire (UCLan)
19 September 2025
University of Sunderland
19 September 2025
York St John University
24 September 2025 (noon)
Nottingham Trent University
10 October 2025

(All deadlines sourced from AA2A’s official “Apply for 2025/26 Schemes” page.)

AA2A

Final Thought

AA2A residencies are about more than space—they're about transformation. Whether you're deepening your practice, diversifying your skills, or connecting with new communities, there's a residency here that can support your goals.

Take action now. Choose your preferred host(s), tailor your proposal to their offer, and submit before your deadline. Your next creative chapter could be just an application away.

Access application information here

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