University offers art facilities for free

29th July 2013

Artists and designers in Sheffield are being given the opportunity to use Sheffield Hallam University's specialist facilities for free, as part of a national initiative to help artists complete large or complex projects.

The Sheffield Institute of Arts at Sheffield Hallam is calling for professional artists, photographers, fashion designers, graphic designers, metal-workers and jewellery-makers to enter the Artists Access to Art Colleges (AA2A) scheme. The scheme also gives artists the chance to interact with students, and they can give guest lectures, workshops and careers advice sessions for students during their time at the University. In return, they will get at least 100 hours of free access to Sheffield Hallam's workshops, learning centres, IT equipment and expertise. Successful applicants may also be eligible for financial support through AA2A's hardship fund. Professor Sally Wade, director of the Sheffield Institute of Arts at Sheffield Hallam, said: "We have a huge range of specialist facilities here at the Sheffield Institute of Arts, that artists normally wouldn't be able to access. We're keen to do everything we can to support local artists and makers, some of whom may well be ex-students of the University. To apply for a place on the AA2A scheme at Sheffield Hallam, please email Lynsey Jefferies (l.jefferies@shu.ac.uk) or telephone 0114 225 6726. The closing date for applications is Sunday 22 September 2013. To find out more about AA2A visit www.aa2a.org.