AA2A Artists Quotes 2009/10

The following comments are taken from the 2010 Artists evaluation forms.

"My thoughts with regard to the scheme are 100% positive, and I found it to be a remarkably rewarding experience being able to give something back to the university where I studied. It was also a great pleasure to work with the next generation of graduates and art practitioners."
Sean Caherty  University of Salford

"A fantastic opportunity. Process over product is so rare to be able to do and a whole new practice has opened up for me since using the print shop."
Aidan Moesby  University of Cumbria

"Having sustained access to equipment which is essential to the development of my work, but which I wouldn't have access to otherwise. I think as more artists start to incorporate new technologies into their practice schemes like AA2A are going to become of increased importance."
Jenny Smith  Loughborough University

"The scheme offered me the opportunity to return to studio practice and realise new work which I feel is ambitious and professional. As a result of the scheme I have begun to develop a new website, association with artists and a new ambition for my practice."
Andrew Dalton  Teesside University

"I have found it hard to work in isolation as an artist. To be part of an artistic community of staff and students has been enriching and liberating for me."
Elizabeth Couzins Scott  University of Central Lancashire

"This scheme is an extraordinary opportunity to make new work with all the focus that support and facilities allow. With costs that must be minimal in comparison to many courses the impact for artists having access to all that is provided by an art college with the back up of the AA2A team is incalculable in terms of development and contact."
Louise Cattrell  Coventry University

"It is difficult to get on to residencies and get exhibitions, and the AA2A scheme has been an important stepping stone for me to achieve that."
Matthew Denniss  Manchester Metropolitan University

"The best thing about AA2A was the opportunity to work with specialist equipment, with technical support, which otherwise would have been either very expensive or unavailable. Also to develop work, both technically and conceptually, without pressure, but with support."
John Kinsey  University of Derby

"AA2A scheme, if used properly, can be an important stepping stone for an upcoming artist and an inspiration to students. Being part of the scheme challenged me to produce work that I would never have considered otherwise and many people have shown interest in my new work."
Dulari Sumaria  University of Hertfordshire

"AA2A is a fantastic opportunity for artists and designers. It gave me the chance to have access to workshops and equipment that I would not have had access to normally. It gave me the space to think, further and produce designs for future exhibitions and fairs. As I was new to the city l appreciated the opportunity for networking and forming of friendships, ….I had a ball!!"
Sharon Kearley  University of Portsmouth

"The AA2A placement was the best thing that could happen to me, allowing me to create and try other techniques, also in larger formats. The library access had also great importance to me as I have gained great inspiration from the books I could browse through and borrow from the college library. I am very grateful to AA2A. It was a great experience."
Agata Jasinska  Anglia Ruskin University

"Being treated professionally, like a member of staff, but without the level of responsibility (which felt a bit like being a student again!) and so being able to discuss art with staff & students alike. Ultimately, the most valuable thing was having access to the facilities, with the opportunity to concentrate on my own work as an artist in residence (rather than being accountable as a student or member of staff)."
Caroline Underwood  University for the Creative Arts

"The best thing about AA2A was having the access to use professional equipment and have hands on advice in an arts environment. At your own pace and time, much like being back at university, a luxury you do not have once leaving an institution or education which isn't draining on your resources so it is affordable too. The ideal formula!"
Elizbeth Chadwick  Hull School of Art and Design

"The best thing about AA2A was the conversations I had with lecturers & students. I also gained project management experience and I worked with Creative Writing students."
Theresa Easton  Northumbria University

"The best thing about AA2A was being given the time, expertise and space to produce a new and different style of work to normal was great. Being in an environment of creativity was really positive and as for the library, well I haven't read so much or watched so many DVDs on art matters for years."
Jane Southgate  University Campus Suffolk