AA2A (Artists Access to Art Colleges) provides artists and designer-makers with access to workshops and equipment in our host universities and colleges. We also provide students with information on self-employment, bridging the gap between studying and building a creative career.

– Placements are free for artists with the host universities covering the cost of the scheme
– Hosts choose their own artists, offering at least 100 hours access usually between October and June
– Artists work alongside students and act as positive career role models, offering to do up to three sessions (e.g. talks or demonstrations)
– AA2A’s employability package supports students and graduates with self-employment information specifically aimed at creatives
– Schemes also include web profiles for artists to document their residency, Creative Support Groups, AA2A Plus Collections and Student Reps etc.

In 2023-24 alongside nine other institutions across England, the University of Sunderland is once again hosting the AA2A scheme.

Facilities available
Facilities available include printmaking (screenprinting, etching, lithography, relief printing, Riso printing), wood, metal, glass, ceramics, textiles, fashion, 3-D printing, laser cutting, photography (digital and chemical), video, graphics, animation and painting. For a full overview, please see this year’s facilities list.

The university has workshops and supporting facilities associated with courses in Fine Art, Glass and ceramics, Fashion, Photography, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation and Games Art. It also provides access to the cross-faculty programmes Creative Lives, Arts and Creative Industries Research Seminars and Creative Industries Week.

AA2A particularly welcomes applications from artists with disabilities, from culturally diverse backgrounds and non-graduates. Our Artist Support Fund can provide expenses of up to £350 for those on a low income.