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Diversity and Inclusion

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Diversity and Inclusion


At AAL, we pride ourselves on championing “art for all”. This is a core part of our ethos and we are passionate about helping individuals to unlock their unique creative skills, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

We are proud of our record here, but we also know we need to challenge ourselves to do more. In light of the Black Lives Matter protests and the wider conversation around diversity and inclusion, we are committing to identifying additional steps we can take to counter racism and the systemic barriers which marginalised communities experience.  As such, we’re partway through consulting with our staff and community on how we will increase representation across all levels of the AAL, to reflect more closely the rich diversity of our localities – Southwark and Lambeth. The outcome of these discussions, together with the input from a network of external advisors, will inform an ambitious action plan which we will publish.

Our aim is to develop a culture where diversity is hard-wired into everything we do, is understood by all of us, and where we all have an opportunity to be a part of this ongoing conversation. We are committed to building on good foundations to be even more ambitious in this regard, and we look forward to publicising the details of our final action plan later this year. 

Rob Pepper
Principal, Art Academy London

Initiatives already underway include: 

  • Enhanced reporting of diversity in the AAL community, enabling us to set and meet targets for students, staff, tutors and artists who use our studios and exhibition spaces 
  • Membership of the Kick Start programme in Southwark, employing and training young people on universal benefit 
  • Support, educate and champion working artists and arts education in our area, especially for underserved communities. By providing free spaces for local school children, subsidised exhibition space and tuition for local groups such as BEAM (a disabled artists charity) 
  • A curriculum review by our academic board, in conversation with the student body, to ensure it is fit for purpose and reflective of our overall aims in respect of diversity and inclusion 
  • Further targeting of charitable resources to help overcome barriers for BAME, LGBT+ and SEN students to access our courses and facilities 
  • The extension of diversity and inclusion training more widely in our organization. 

22/09/2020/by Georgina Luxford
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Our Facilities

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SPACE TO CREATE


We offer a rich, diverse ecosystem of materials, technologies, processes, and practices.

We’re based in Southwark, in the heart of London’s energetic creative scene. We have two sites, our main campus Mermaid Court and our Red Lion Court studios.

Mermaid Court and Red Lion Court are only a 10 and 5 minute walk from the Tate Modern, and within the Bankside Cultural Quarter, which includes the historic Borough Market and the Globe Theatre. Our facilities, across both sites, include:

  • a specialist wood and metal workshop
  • a specialist print studio
  • a ceramics and stone-carving studio, with both ceramic and glass kilns
  • seven teaching studios
  • a digital suite equipped for video editing, photography and filming, photographic retouching, printing, and more
  • our library, with a wonderful selection of books and brand-new laptops to support you in your studies
  • dedicated studio spaces for our Foundation, BA (Stage 2 & 3) and FD students to work on their personal projects
  • Wood & Metal Workshop Facilties - Art Academy London
  • Wood & Metal Workshop Facilties - Art Academy London
  • Foundation Students Studio Practice and Studio Facilties - Art Academy London
  • Digital Suite Resources and Facilties - Art Academy London
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12/04/2019/by Jenana Kekic
https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png 0 0 Jenana Kekic https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png Jenana Kekic2019-04-12 09:59:282022-01-06 12:50:27Our Facilities

Student Charter

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STUDENT CHARTER

The Student Charter, jointly developed for staff and academic students*, outlines what is expected of academic students and what they can expect from the Academy.

Student Charter


STUDENT CHARTER


The Student Charter, jointly developed for staff and academic students*, outlines what is expected of academic students and what they can expect from the Academy.

*The Student Charter is only applicable to academic students. ‘Academic Students’ is defined as students who are studying 180+ hours a year with the Academy. This will include students on any of our BA, FD‘s, our Fine Art Foundation or our Certificate Programme.

As an Art Academy student I will…


  • Attend sessions regularly and punctually with a respectful and professional attitude;
  • Take responsibility for finding out about study requirements including deadlines, expected levels of attendance and engagement and academic regulations;
  • Share my knowledge and opinions; participate in the culture of open communication and ask for help when I need it;
  • Treat fellow students, tutors and staff members and the Academy environment with consideration and respect;
  • Be creative and enthusiastic, take part in new things and approach tasks with a positive mindset;
  • Join in! Ask questions and show an interest in other people’s work. Feedback and development of work comes from the whole community and it’s essential that we all take part in that;
  • Work to the best of my ability with passion;
  • Provide honest feedback to help future Academy developments;
  • Take responsibility for my own learning;
  • Maintain positive lines of communication with Academy staff including keeping current contact details up to date;
  • If I pay fees or have a student loan for my studies, make myself familiar with my financial commitment to the Academy.

The Student Council will…


  • Create a vibrant community through a varied and student inspired social calendar;
  • Facilitate discussion between students and Academy staff and support students in raising concerns through Student Forum Meetings;
  • Represent students at relevant Academy committees and meetings.

The Art Academy will…


  • Welcome you to its close-knit, vibrant artistic community and support you to become the best artist you can be;
  • Provide high quality learning and teaching experiences from tutors who are professional artists eminent in their fields;
  • Ensure tutors and staff maintain a high level of professionalism;
  • Respond to prospective and current students queries and communicate important information (e.g. key dates) in an appropriate and clear time frame;
  • Aim to ensure that our tutors and staff members communicate effectively so that students receive consistent information and feedback;
  • Get to know you as an individual in order to ensure your journey through the Academy is best suited to your needs, aptitudes and interest;
  • Provide a safe, accessible and stimulating learning environment, where you feel able to take risks, experiment and make mistakes;
  • Create opportunities for you to gain employability skills and research and prepare for your future;
  • Provide information on work related opportunities alongside studies;
  • Respond appropriately to student feedback and make sure students are represented on Academy boards and committees;
  • Clearly describe and explain course and programme requirements and marking criteria;
  • Maintain a high standard of facilities and support services and good access to industry standard equipment and resources;
  • Be clear about course costs (including additional material costs) and promote available financial support;
  • Advertise what information, support and advice is available at the Academy and locally;
  • Actively promote students and their work.

23/10/2018/by Becky Midgley
https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png 0 0 Becky Midgley https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png Becky Midgley2018-10-23 17:21:192021-09-03 15:27:19Student Charter

Student Stories

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Student Stories


All 19
All 19 /BA (Hons) Fine Art 6 /Certificate 2 /FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) 4 /FD Fine Art (Sculpture) 2 /Foundation 5

Fiona Land

Portrait Sculpture Masterclass

Gary Scott

Julian Wild working in a factory

Georgia Koliandri

Grace Yan-Au

Student Stories Iaysha Salih

Iaysha Salih

Student Stories Jane Masojada

Jane Masojada

The Art Academy Graduate Show

Jemima Dempsey

Student Stories Jo Holt

Jo Holt

Student Stories Lucy du Sautoy

Lucy du Sautoy

man giving speech black and white

Martin Pirongs

Foundation Graduate Show

Michal Adach

Study Stories Ninon Ardisson

Ninon Ardisson

Peter Brownsell

Peter Brownsell

Study Story - Rhiannon Salisbury

Rhiannon Rebecca Salisbury

Ruth Swain

Student Stories Shankar Nielsen

Shankar Nielsen

Suzon Lagarde

meeting speech

Teresa Hedderwick

Thomas Hall-Thompson Student Story

Thomas Hall-Thompson

10/07/2017/0 Comments/by Rob Pepper
https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png 0 0 Rob Pepper https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png Rob Pepper2017-07-10 12:03:472021-09-03 15:26:40Student Stories

Open Days

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Open Days


We run regular open days throughout the year, typically taking place in small groups. This means you’ll have an invaluable opportunity to have all your questions answered, gain in-depth information on our courses, and really get to experience our vibrant and welcoming community.  if you’re unable to make any of our Open Day dates, we’re happy to book an alternative time for you to come in for a private tour.

Please note: We do not currently sponsor international students through the Tier 4 visa system (including those from the EU and EEA) and therefore cannot accept non-uk students onto academic programmes, except for those with the right to reside in the UK.



UPCOMING OPEN DAYS


We do not currently have any Open Days scheduled, to be contacted about future Open Days, or to book a private chat, please complete the Open Day Registration form located on this page



Our Student Virtual Chat is an excellent opportunity to find out more about student life at Art Academy London. Talk with our current students about applying for art school, our elective skills workshop courses, studio spaces, modules and assessments, tutors, student opportunities, graduate exhibitions or anything else about life at the Academy.

Current students from all of our academic programmes will be on hand to answer your questions about our BA (Hons) Fine Art, Foundation Degree in Contemporary Portraiture, pre-degree Foundation in Fine Art or our Certificate programme, in specific Zoom breakout rooms. A member of staff will also be present if you have any general Art Academy London questions. To help us direct you to the right students, please let us know which programme (or programmes) you’re interested in applying for when you register for the event.



Bookings

Individual Bookings

For individual reservations please fill in the online booking form below. You are welcome to bring up to two guests with you. Please mention the number of guests in the booking form below.

Group bookings

If you wish to bring a group of students to one of our Open Days please email us in advance to reserve places. Alternatively we can arrange Private Tours for groups. Please get in touch to reserve space for group bookings or arrange a private tour.



Where

BA, FD & Certificate Open Days 

The Art Academy
Mermaid Court
165a Borough High Street
London SE1 1HR

Foundation Open Days

Foundation Open Days will begin at our Mermaid Court site but will end at our Newington site (address below). Private transport is pre-arranged by the Academy between the two sites.

The Former Newington Library
155 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1RS
United Kingdom



Hear what our students have to say





If you want find out more of what our students think and their experiences at the Academy you can read some of our Student Stories.

 


Dates available

BA Fine Art and FD Contemporary Portraiture  TBC Foundation TBC Certificate TBC

If you are unable to attend the dates above, please get in touch to organise a personal tour. You can contact us by filling out this Enquiry Form or calling 020 7407 6969.
Become inspired!
Virtually tour our 2020 BA and FD Graduate Show

Open Day Registration


05/07/2017/by Tabitha Steinberg
https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png 0 0 Tabitha Steinberg https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png Tabitha Steinberg2017-07-05 16:39:302022-04-03 13:11:34Open Days

Student Support

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Student Support


At the Academy we want to support you for every step of your journey with us. High levels of support and guidance are an integral part of the Academy’s ethos and are designed to help you from first enquiry to the completion of your studies.

The small scale of the institution is advantageous to the provision of student support. It fosters a close community of staff and students where students feel safe and able to seek advice and guidance from a variety of staff.

Please note that the information contained below and within the signposted policies apply to students studying at the Academy on an ‘Academic’ programme of at least 180 hours per academic year. Whilst those studying less than 180 hours on ‘Public’ courses are valued members of the Academy community and therefore afforded the same rights to equality of experience, in regards to quality of provision, safeguarding and expectations of treatment as laid out in our Equality and Diversity principles, these students do not fall under these polices and guidance (or any other) in respect of the Academy’s duty of care to them pastorally.


Personal & Academic Tutorials

Please note the following information does not apply to Certificate students. For more information about pastoral support for Certificate students, please see the Certificate Student Handbook and Programme Handbook for details.

You will be allocated a Personal and Academic Tutor (PAT) at the beginning of your period of study at the Academy. You will retain the same PAT throughout your two or three year period of study, except where staff changes prevent this.

These tutorials provide opportunities for you to review Personal Development and Planning (PDP) and seek guidance on academic matters; they are centred around discussions about your academic progress and advice on your choice of Elective Skills Workshops for the following term. These tutorials are also used to discuss pastoral, personal, academic and administrative issues, and to monitor and discuss your targets and general wellbeing. Through these tutorials, PATs provide personalised and consistent support throughout your journey at the Academy, helping to ensure you maximise your opportunities and achievements. Your PAT will be able to refer you to appropriate support services (external and internal) where appropriate.

There are a mixture of group and 1-2-1 tutorials. This will usually be up to 6 times a year (7 for newly enrolled students), including meeting your PAT at least once per term 1-2-1.

For more information please see our Student Support & Guidance Including Tutoring Policy.

Financial Support & Guidance

Please note the following information does not apply to Certificate students

As part of the Academy’s commitment to widening participation, accessible learning and inclusive arts education a number of bursaries are made available each year in order to assist applicants who would not normally be in a position to study at the Academy. We have a limited number of bursaries (typically 25%) available for students starting their programme in September 2019. Applicants must have been offered a place before submitting a bursary application. The bursary application form can be found here.

Please complete this form and email it to admissions@artacademy.org.uk. Bursaries are awarded based on need and merit. Bursary applicants will be informed of the decision after the application process is complete.

Student Welfare

You will have access to pastoral care throughout your time at the Academy enabling you to seek support for any personal concerns or issues you might have. Please see the ‘Personal & Academic Tutorials’ above.

The Academic Team provide support in conjunction with PATs and Programme/Pathway Leaders for students who may be feeling the pressures of studying. Support is provided by offering confidential advice and referral to external services where appropriate.

You are able to come to the team for issues including:

  • Financial assistance & funding
  • Learning skills development support
  • Monitoring and reviewing progress
  • Careers guidance and support
  • Guidance on extra-curricular activities
  • Advice on further study
  • Assistance for students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties, SEN and other needs
  • Counselling & mental health issues (via external support agencies)
  • Accommodation
  • General welfare advice (travel, part time work, local GP services, external support agencies)

On joining the Academy you are provided information on external student accommodation services, local GP services and other information to enable you to settle fully into student and London life. Please see the Student Life section of our website for more information.

Part of our Community

You are fully inducted to the Academy upon enrolment and provided with the opportunity to take part in cross college artistic and social events as part of freshers activities in order to help you integrate into the Academy community. The Academic team and student council also organise other events throughout the academic year in order to maintain and develop your sense of belonging and strengthen the community at the heart of the Academy.

Mental Health

Your mental health is important and our staff and tutors will do their best to look after your well-being, so that if you have difficulties they will be available either to help you themselves, where possible, or to advise you to who to talk to.

If you raise a problem with your PAT (Personal and Academic Tutor ), Programme/Pathway leader, tutor or member of the Academic Team, they will listen carefully and respectfully and offer support. We will keep information confidential, except where sharing it will aid the Academy in referring you to someone who can help.

We will always aid you in finding an appropriate service and may direct you to our wellbeing service, operated by CareFirst. Through this service students can access a range of online wellbeing resources and online and in-person counselling.

Equality & Diversity

We value the rich diversity of our students, staff and alumni, which is fundamental to our character. This diversity informs our teaching and learning and our employment practices, producing both inspired practitioners and leading professionals. We value diversity and  recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge and culture, and that this difference brings great strength to an institution such as ours. We recognise that patterns of under-representation and differences in outcomes at the Academy can be challenged through positive action programmes. We respect the rights of individuals, including the right to hold different views and beliefs. We will not allow these differences to be manifested in a way that is hostile or degrading to others.

Policy and Strategy Aims

In order to uphold these values and to sustain an accessible and inclusive environment for all students we will:

  • Celebrate the diversity of our community, recognising that it is integral to our success.
  • Comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and demonstrate our compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires us to have due regard to the 3 principles outlined in the introduction of this document.
  • Challenge and address inequality, by prohibiting unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation as defined in the Equality Act 2010; in relation to the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex (gender) and sexual orientation, whether such a characteristic is actual, perceived, or by association. This applies to all stages of the student and staff ‘lifecycles’ and to our engagement with service users, suppliers and external parties.
  • Take seriously any allegation of breach of this policy and investigate it taking action via our disciplinary procedures, where necessary.
  • Embed our Equality and Diversity principles in all our policies, strategies and processes, through active consultation with students and staff, and evaluation of the potential and actual impact.

For more information please download our Equality & Diversity Policy

Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Students or applicants who declare a disability, specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), long term health condition or mental health disability are asked to complete a ‘Student Declaration and Identification of Support Needs’ form at enrolment. This is in addition to the declaration requested at application and is intended to ensure the capture of information needed to ensure a safe and successful educational career at the Academy. A member of the Academic team subsequently contacts the student to discuss their individual support requirements and agree actions, which are made available to relevant tutors and support staff, informing them of any services and adjustments required.

Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Art Academy London welcomes students with Special Educational Needs subject to being able to support their individual needs. Our SEND Coordinator has overall responsibility both for their welfare and for enabling them to access the curriculum successfully during their time at the Academy. A bespoke programme of elective skills workshops will be mapped for each student if necessary, and alternative assessment models employed where appropriate in order to provide a parity of opportunity with non SEN students. The SEND Coordinator will act as PAT and first point of contact for all SEN students. The SEND Coordinator and Academic Team also ensure that all other tutors working with an individual student with Special Educational Needs are appraised of the needs of that student, and understand what, if anything, they need to do to support the student and his or her learning.

For more information, or if you have any questions about how we can support your specific needs please speak to a member of the Academic Team.

Disabled Students

The Academy is committed to supporting accessible learning and welcomes students with disabilities. Good accessibility practices and the needs of disabled students in academic provision are reviewed on a case by case basis, with all reasonable adjustments such as the re-timetabling of studios and alternative assessment arrangements considered in order to provide services and equal educational opportunities to the individual student or applicant.

Students with Mobility Issues

Art Academy London will make reasonable adjustments for applicants with a physical or mobility impairment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. The Academy’s premises are old buildings which inevitably means that access to some areas can be problematic for people with a physical disability. However, work carried out on our main Mermaid Court building over the last few years means that we can accommodate most students with physical disabilities on academic programmes. Where necessary, we will make appropriate arrangements to mitigate any accessibility issues such as rescheduling of classes, workshops, tutorials, lectures and other events to spaces within the main building of Mermaid Court, which is wheelchair accessible. It may also include the provision of facilities to undertake classes and workshops in techniques and processes outside of the dedicated space in which they normally occur (i.e. printmaking) and individual provision of facilities such as storage spaces, where these are normally in unaccessible areas. The library is currently inaccessible to wheelchair users and alternative arrangements are in place for students with mobility issues to access the library resources.

Some of our buildings will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future (our second building at Mermaid Court). Further improvements are planned to ensure we have appropriate buildings and facilities in the future; we are committed to improving access to all our buildings and are working towards making all areas of our campus fully accessible to all.

Applicants and potential applicants who have mobility difficulties or any other special needs should speak to us and/or arrange to visit the Academy, before completing the application process, to discuss their needs so that they can make an informed decision as to whether the Academy is able to provide an appropriate environment for their studies.

For more information, or if you have any questions about how we can support your specific needs please speak to a member of the Academic Team.

Hearing Technology for Hard of Hearing/Deaf Applicants

Portable induction loops can be provided during open days, interview and in teaching spaces for those who require them.

Other Disabilities and Conditions

If you have another disability, specific learning difficulty, health, or mental health difficulty, we strongly encourage you to contact us to talk about options for support.

Personal Development & Planning

Central to the Academy’s ethos is enabling you to become a practising artists. You are encouraged to set goals, develop your skills and review progress through personal developmental planning (PDP). PDP is embedded within our Diploma programmes in the form of Professional Development modules, which provide opportunities to identify and action next steps in planning your career as professional artists and also incorporating reviews of the skills you develop through study into this process. Progress and long term goals are discussed and recorded through 1-2-1 sessions with staff and tutors and you are invited to reflect on progress and plan your progression through tutorials with your PAT.

Career Education & Information

Although the Academy does not have a dedicated careers service or advice and guidance department, career and education advice is embedded within  programmes in the form of Professional Development modules which provide opportunities to identify and action next steps in planning your career as a professional artist. This is supported through the artistic tutorial system. Some career guidance is additionally undertaken by the Academic team and you have the opportunity to seek further advice from guest tutors and speakers where relevant.

Faith Facilities

The Academy provides a prayer room to allow individuals to observe their faith and believes this essential to harmonious community relations and inter-faith dialogue. This is an important element of the Academy’s Prevent approach.

Tutor Contact & Student Support - Art Academy London


Tutor Contact & Student Support - Art Academy London

28/06/2017/by Tabitha Steinberg
https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png 0 0 Tabitha Steinberg https://artacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AAL-Logo.png Tabitha Steinberg2017-06-28 16:16:502021-12-06 13:43:46Student Support

Application Process

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Application Process

We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested in studying with us please register to attend an Open Day or call +44 (0)207407 6969 to discuss course options; we’re always happy to chat through the application process, our courses or arrange a private tour.

Application

Process

Application Process

We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested in studying with us please register to attend an Open Day or call +44 (0)207407 6969 to discuss course options; we’re always happy to chat through the application process, our courses or arrange a private tour.

What to expect

Before you apply, you will want to understand what to expect from the application process and how best to prepare. Be assured that we assess you on your own individual merit and potential to succeed on your chosen programme of study. It’s an individually tailored but consistent approach; all applicants are required to attend an interview and portfolio review. For more information on entry requirements please refer to the relevant programme webpage. More information on the admissions process can be found in our Admissions Policy.

In some cases we may ask you to submit supplementary work in addition to the information provided on the application form and requested as part of the portfolio review.

You are also required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to study with us. More information about this can be found in ‘Entry Requirements’ below.

To find out more information please see the Art Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.

Entry Requirements

Specific entry requirements are laid out in the relevant programme webpages. All applicants are required to prove UK right of residency; we do not sponsor international students through the Tier 4 visa system and therefore cannot accept international students unless they are able to prove right of residency in the UK. In the case of our BA (Hons) Fine Art, although no formal qualifications are required, applicants will need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 equivalent.

English Language Requirements: all applicants looking to join one of our academic programmes (except Certificate) will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to study with us. We assess for appropriate level of spoken English at interview, but this can also be proved through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2). We may require specific performance in written English tests at interview.

We appreciate that not all applicants come to us with standard qualifications and we consider a wide range of equivalent level qualifications, professional experience and self-directed learning. We try to take into consideration your unique set of qualifications, skills and experience. We are most interested in applicants who can demonstrate their skills, enthusiasm and commitment to their subject. If you think you can do this, we encourage you to apply!

Visit your chosen programme page and start an application today!

The Process

Once you’ve submitted an application form, we’ll get in touch to arrange your interview and portfolio review – this usually takes place at our Mermaid Court site but we can arrange for this to be done via Skype if necessary. More information on entry requirements can be found on the specific course page and more information on the admissions process can be found on the Academy’s Admissions Policy. Once your interview is arranged we’ll give you further details about what to expect and what to bring to the interview.

The interview

At your interview, we’ll conduct a portfolio review. The interviewer will make a judgment about whether you have the potential to succeed on the programme applied for and to make a decision, which they consider to be in your best interests. While interviews are normally conducted with one member of staff present, your application will not be rejected without it being reviewed by another member of staff. An assessment is made taking into account your overall potential to succeed based on your performance at interview and your portfolio of work.

The portfolio review guidance

As general guidance we like to see examples of finished pieces and the development of a project or series of pieces. You may be asked to bring your sketchbook or preliminary sketches and research. Through this, we are trying to understand your creative process, motivations, ideas and areas of interest. We are also trying to access your level of artistic skill and your potential.

The Result

After your interview you may be asked for supplementary material. If no supplementary material is required you will be notified of our within three weeks. There are three possible outcomes:

Conditional offer: this means we will offer you a place providing certain conditions are met before registration on the programme e.g. the completion of outstanding qualifications. Each offer is specific to individual circumstances.

Unconditional offer:this means you’ve met the academic and non-academic entry requirements and have been accepted onto your chosen programme.

Unsuccessful application:this means we have decided not to offer you a place on the programme. Applicants can be unsuccessful for many reasons and should be aware that many of our programmes receive far more applications than number of places available.

Unsuccessful applicants, or those who do not take up their place, may reapply to the Academy in a subsequent year. Feedback will be given to those who request it. Admissions decisions based on academic judgement may not be challenged unless there is evidence of prejudice or bias against a candidate. Please see the  Admissions Policy for more details.

Next Steps

We will offer opportunities to incoming students to get to know the Academy between the time they accept their offer and when they enrol. As a successful candidate you will be invited to come to our Graduation Show to get a sense of the community and see what you could achieve by studying with us. By accepting an offer you agree to abide by the Academy’s Regulations.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES, SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, OTHER HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

We are committed to supporting accessible learning and welcome students with disabilities and special educational needs.

Disclosure

We encourage you to disclose any disabilities or special needs when you apply, so we can plan any support that we may need to provide at the earliest opportunity, including during the admissions process. Admissions decisions are always made on the basis of a candidate’s ability and/or potential to complete the programme.

Accessibility  and reasonable adjustments 

Provided that a candidate is suitable for the programme applied for, we will make reasonable adjustments for applicants with a physical or mobility impairment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Our premises are old buildings, which means that access to some areas can be problematic for people with a physical disability. This will continue to be an issue for the immediate future and all our premises are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Therefore, where possible, we make appropriate arrangements to hold interviews, classes, workshops, tutorials, exhibitions and other events in accessible spaces in our Mermaid Court and Newington buildings, and can provide alternative storage spaces where these may normally be in inaccessible areas. We are also currently completing a number of works to our main building in Mermaid Court, London Bridge, to improve access and facilities for wheelchair users, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

This means that from September 2019 we will be able to accommodate most students with physical disabilities on our academic programmes.

Some of our buildings will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future (our second building at Mermaid Court and the second floor of our Newington building). We are committed to improving access to all our buildings and are working towards making all areas of our campus fully accessible to all.

Hearing technology for hard of hearing/deaf applicants 

Portable induction loops can be provided during open days, interview and in teaching spaces if required.

Other disabilities and conditions

If you have another disability, specific learning difficulty, health, or mental health difficulty, we strongly encourage you to contact us to talk about options for support.

28/06/2017/by Tabitha Steinberg
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Student Life

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Student Life


At the Academy, we provide a rich social life for a vibrant community of artists working together to improve and refine their skills.

When you join us as a student we want you to be part of the social and artistic life of our college. Our induction process not only introduces you to the way we work and the standards we expect but also shows you how to enjoy life in London. We encourage cross-college artistic and social events as part of Freshers’ activities in order to welcome you into the Academy community, and the Academic Team and Student Council organise events throughout the year to maintain and develop your sense of belonging.



STUDIOS AND GALLERIES


Academy students and staff benefit from the close proximity to many galleries in the area, including:

Tate Modern
Jerwood Space
White Cube Bermondsey
Drawing Room
Matts Gallery
Menier Gallery

Find out more about the local art scene via the South London Art Map (SLAM) that provides a handy guide to the galleries in South London.



LIVING, GOING OUT AND EATING OUT


The Academy is in a lively area of Central London with good transport links to all parts of the city.

We are located close to the famous Southbank cultural quarter and Borough Market, the food capital of London, where you can find an extraordinary variety of food. London’s famous South Bank offers a great variety of bars and cheap eats and under the arches in Waterloo and Southwark you’ll find Flat Iron Square and Union Street.

If you’re looking for a place to live be sure to download our Accommodation Pack for an introduction on to how find safe and affordable living options. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by filling out this Enquiry Form or calling 020 7407 6969

Studio Practice - Student Life - Art Academy London
06/06/2017/by Tabitha Steinberg
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Our Teaching Approach

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How We Teach


The Academy is a true artistic community; an environment of vibrant exchange where you learn from expert practicing artists and wide-ranging creative stimuli.

We’ll stretch your thinking at the same time as building your skills across multiple dimensions. We don’t subscribe to the view that there is one way to train an artist. We start with the individual and invest time, supporting you through tailored, hands-on tuition. We believe in opening the mind every bit as much as we believe in training the eye and the hand.

Whatever your path, your programme will involve choosing from our Elective Skills Workshop courses.

You will be free to develop and express your vision in whatever language, style or medium best suits your intentions, but whatever the chosen medium, it requires a certain amount of skill and consideration in its formal and conceptual aspects; a portrait should be as conceptually considered as an installation and an installation as carefully crafted as a portrait.

The actual process of creating is a continual balance between thought and intuition, between the editorial, decision-making process, and the spontaneous flow of creativity. Considered marks, observed unintended accidents, and the subconscious knowledge that flows into the work all enrich the final piece.

For more information please see our Teaching & Learning Strategy.


Artistic Principles

The Academy Artistic Principles:

  • Stimulus and Motivation
  • Concept and Intent
  • Creative and Contextual Awareness
  • Visual Language and Craftsmanship
  • Manifestation of intent
  • Curation and presentation

Stimulus and motivation

An artist’s stimulus comes from a desire to respond to what resonates with them or has meaning to them as an individual, drawn from their experiences, passions and interests. That stimulus sparks an idea which motivates them to start the creative process. Being true to this core motivation can create a unique artistic vision and is the starting point for developing the concept and intent for their art work.

Intention and concept

The artists’s intention is what they want to express, create or communicate throughout their work. Developing the concept is the way in which they refine their response to the original stimulus through examination, exploration and enquiry.

This will begin to determine the best means of expressing their intention and communicating with the viewer. In order to fully develop a concept, this process needs to include rigorous, imaginative, lateral thinking and ingenuity, considering the idea as widely as possible. An effective concept will result in an artwork that opens new perspectives, experiences and understanding for the viewer.

Creative and contextual awareness

The artist practices within a personal, artistic, social, cultural and environmental context. It is essential for them to be aware of the context in which they are working. It is beneficial for an artist to understand their personal creative process and the way in which they best create. The artist should be cognisant of the surrounding artistic discourses (both contemporary and historic). They need also to be mindful of the wider context in which they are working – cultural, social, political and

environmental. In developing their art, they need to determine how they wish to respond to or engage with the contexts within which they practice. They need to understand the relevant commercial markets for their work. They need to consider their responsibility to themselves, their peer group and artistic community, the art world and to wider society*.

Visual Language and Craftsmanship

For an artist to develop their own artistic language, they need to understand the application, impact and relevance of their aesthetic decisions. Harmony, discord, measure, balance, volume, contrast, line, colour, composition and craftsmanship form part of the artist’s language, through which they develop their own vocabulary to express their meaning.

Craftsmanship encompasses skill in whatever media, both traditional and contemporary. Through the continuous exploration and absorption of a wide range of skills, materials and techniques, the artist develops and constantly refines their artistic language.

Manifestation of Intent

This is the point at which the work manifests itself. The artist manifests their intention for the artwork through the choices they make about their formal language, including media, material, technique and scale. The evaluation of these choices and their relationship to the artist’s initial intent, even when these elements have been used intuitively, is essential for the effective expression of the creative idea.

The viewer may also better understand and connect with the artist’s concept when there is a considered relationship between form and intention.

Curation / Presentation

The presentation of an artwork in an exhibition, public or other context is integral to the effectiveness of the piece. The presentation includes the space, the lighting, the structural support system, the layout of the work and the movement of people through the space, the statement and the label system. It also refers to any verbal presentation by the artist about the work; how concise, considered and knowledgeable they are about the context in which they are working and their intentions for the work.

All these aspects need to be carefully considered if the artwork is to fulfil its potential. If an artist wishes for their artwork to be seen, it is necessary for them to gain the relevant professional skills to enable this to happen. The presentation of the work should reflect and support the artist’s purpose as well as underpinning the intended experience of the artwork by the viewer.

*at the Art Academy, part of the context for the students’ artistic creation is the wider community of the Art Academy. The student has a responsibility to this wider community and their fulfilment of this responsibility will impact on the quality of the work they produce. This will include their attendance, their response to other students and their contribution to the life of the Academy.

Tutorials

Allocation of tutorials varies from course to course, but broadly, tutorials at the Academy fall into two categories:

Personal & Academic tutorials

On all academic programmes (with the exception of Certificate) you are allocated a Personal & Academic tutor (PAT) who is responsible for your pastoral care. Please see our Personal & Academic Tutorials section on our Student Support page.

Artistic tutorials

You will be allocated a number of artistic tutorials per year (with the exception of Foundation students). Artistic tutorials are in addition to 1-2-1 teaching and tutorials undertaken in Skills Elective Workshop courses and during assessed modules. Artistic tutorials have a wide and open brief, giving you the opportunity for focused, 1-2-1 creative and technical feedback on your art work with a tutor of your choice.  There are a range of Academy and visiting tutors to choose from each term.

For more information please see our Student Support & Guidance Including Tutoring Policy.

Feedback & Assessment

Please note the following does not apply to the Certificate programme, which is not subject to summative assessment. For more information, please see the Certificate Student Handbook and Programme Handbook for details. 

Continuous formative feedback is central to the student-centered teaching and learning strategy at the Academy. You will receive verbal, formative feedback for Elective Skills Workshop courses and written summative feedback for core compulsory, assessed modules. Feedback sheets contain grades where appropriate.

Feedback will provide you with a clear explanation of how the marks have been derived or allocated and a clear understanding of how you can improve your work in the future. It should encourage learning and impact positively upon progression.

Across all our programmes assessment is entirely through coursework and is assessed against the learning outcomes described in the programme specification, course documents and module materials. The Academy believes in and employs continuous formative assessment through active learning opportunities such as 1-2-1 and group critique sessions, enabling you to evaluate and analyse your own progress and take control of your learning in order to maximise strengths and address weaknesses. All formative feedback is provided verbally and not recorded. Assessment tasks also follow a pattern that ensures that assessment is developmental and impacts positively on future learning. They reflect the increasing complexity and demands of successive stages in the programme.

Assessment processes should be inclusive and appropriate arrangements should be made for the assessment of students with disabilities, dyslexia and long-term medical conditions. Inclusivity in assessment practices should, however, go beyond making special provision for those students with specific needs or giving consideration of what are defined as ‘protected characteristics’ in law and should consider the totality of the constituency of students undertaking the assessment. Assessment processes should not (through design or omission) disadvantage any individual or group of students.

For more information please download our Assessment and Feedback Policy and out Alternative Assessment Policy. Further details of assessment processes are also available in programme handbooks.

Attendance

As a student at the Academy the following is expected of you to successfully complete the programme you are enrolled on:

  • To attend all timetabled classes as required by the programme on which you are enrolled.
  • To arrive on time for classes; late arrival causes disruption to other class members and is unfair to the tutor.
  • To notify the Academic Team of any known lateness in the morning so it may be brought to the tutor’s attention.
  • To notify the Academic Team in advance of any absences so it may be brought to the tutor’s attention.
  • To independently make arrangements to catch up on any work missed during absence.
  • To not book holidays during term-time.
  • To give a week’s prior notice to the Academic Team of any absence or lateness where extra-curricular arrangements unavoidably conflict with classes (acceptance of the validity of the request is at the discretion of the tutor).

For more information please see our Attendance Policy.

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech is an important part of academic and wider life. The Academy will ensure it promotes freedom of speech for its students, staff and visiting speakers. On rare occasions, individuals might seek to express unlawful opinions or an event might lead to a breach of the peace. It is, therefore, necessary to have regulations, as described below in our Freedom of Speech policy, to deal with the situation. However, in assessing any necessary restrictions the Academy will always be mindful of the sacrosanct principle of freedom of speech. For more information please see our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Printmaking, Teaching Approach - Art Academy London


Painting, Teaching Approach - Art Academy London

06/06/2017/by Tabitha Steinberg
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Term Dates

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Term Dates


Term dates: 2021-22


Autumn term:

Induction week: 13th September – 17th September 2021;

Term: 20th September – 3rd December 2021;

Reading Week: 25th October – 29th October 2021

Spring term:

10th January – 28th March 2022;

Reading Week: 14th February – 18th February 2022

Summer term:

19th April – 13th June 2022 (no Reading Week)

Graduate Show (Foundation & Certificate):

24th June – 26th June 2022 *

Graduate Show (BA & FD):

30th June – 3rd July 2022*

*please note, these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.

Term dates: 2022-23


Autumn term: 

Induction week Monday 12th September 2022

Monday 19th September – Friday 2nd December 2022

Reading week 24th – 28th  October

Spring term: 

Monday 9th January – Friday 24th March 2023

Reading week 13th – 17th  February

Summer term:

Monday 17th April – Friday 9th June 2023

02/06/2017/by Tabitha Steinberg
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