AA2A Artist Residency

by with No Comment Thoughts

For the full academic year of 2024/25, I was an AA2A resident artist at the University of Chester. It was a fantastic experience and one I thought I’d share a bit more about, in case you’re tempted to get involved in the scheme another year.

Background

AA2A is coming up for its 30 year anniversary. It supports artist development in partnership with FE and HE educational institutions across the UK. The University of Chester has taken part for 11 years and last year I was selected as one of six resident artists on their Kingsway campus, a hub for the university’s creative programmes and home to the printmaking and workshop facilities I was able to access.

The Kingsway Campus

How does the scheme work

Broadly speaking, this is a fantastic scheme based on exchange. Artists gain access to facilities and expertise for 100 hours over the academic year, and, in return, they may be asked to give a talk or demonstration, or show their work, as they take an active part on campus. Universities gain practising artists on site, adding value through interaction with the students they work alongside. This is all supported by AA2A webinars and events to enhance employability for arts students.

Artists apply and are selected based on their project proposal and portfolio.

My own experience

I’m sure every residency is different, as each institution will bring its own culture and approach. I found a very welcoming and supportive environment at Chester.

Working on structures at Chester

I proposed a project to develop the installation side of my printmaking practice, by integrating digital processes, like laser cutting. Through the university I was able to access laser cutting facilities, the print room and the software I needed to learn to bring things together. I started in October 2024 and completed my project in July 2025. Along the way:

  • I met some great people: university technical staff, other artists, students…
  • I took part in 2 exhibitions: one to introduce my work at the beginning and another to showcase my project work at the end
  • I created new laser cut work, which I have exhibited so far at the OXO Gallery in London with the Printmakers Council
‘Towers of Strength’, monotype and laser cutting, by Carolyn Murphy
‘In the Balance’, monotype and laser cut paper structures by Carolyn Murphy

Find out more

To learn more about AA2A and their residencies, check out their website. I would highly recommend the programme and its partners. Thanks for a wonderful year!

To see more from our final group exhibition in Chester, check out my News page on ‘Threads of Expression’.