This page was last updated April 2022.
Welcome to our dedicated Health & Safety page where you can find the latest information on what the Academy is doing to keep its community safe through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
We are following Government advice and working in collaboration with representatives not only from within our community but also suppliers, external contractors, local businesses, Southwark Council and the local bid group, Better Bankside, to put in place a range of measures to protect all our visitors on site.
From the start of our summer term (April 2022), following the Government’s removal of all Covid regulations, we will no longer require face coverings to be worn in our buildings. Should any student or member of our community wish to continue to wear a face covering, we will fully support their individual right to do so.
Although the Government has removed all legal requirements to self-isolate, we ask that all members of our community refrain from attending the Art Academy London if they have possible Covid symptoms and undertake a test. Where the test is positive, for the well-being of all in our community, we ask that individuals do not return to AAL until a minimum of five days have passed since their first symptoms and they have returned a negative test.
Some of the other measures we’re keeping in place include:
- Increased frequency of cleaning of sites and equipment
- Controlling the movement of people around our buildings
- Additional provision of handwashing and sanitising stations
- Clear signage, guidance and communication
How you can make a difference:
- Get your Covid-19 vaccination and/or booster jab as soon as you’re eligible
- Self-isolate if you have symptoms of Covid-19
- Socially distance as much as possible
- Ensure good hygiene by washing and/or sanitising hands more often
- Ensure good respiratory hygiene by sneezing or coughing into a tissue (throw it away and wash your hands afterwards)
- Be considerate of others
COVID-19 FAQs
What can I do to help the Academy?
As a small independent artist-led institution AAL does not receive any government funding. The coronavirus pandemic has been hugely significant for us. Not being able to run our public courses has meant the loss of one of our most important income streams. Formed in 2019, our Patron Scheme has never been more essential to ensuring we are able to continue supporting our vibrant artistic community and meet our goal of making art education accessible to all.
Find out more about becoming a patron by emailing patrons@artacademy.org.uk or our Principal at principal@artacademy.org.uk.
What measures are the Academy putting to ensure the safety of its students, tutors, models and staff?
At AAL, the health and wellbeing of our community are paramount. Our priority at all times is to ensure that our site is as safe as possible for everybody using it.
We are following Government regulations and working with representatives from within our community and beyond to make sure the Academy remains a safe space.
We have initiated a programme of safety measures for our staff, students, tutors and models. These measures will be subject to constant review and will no doubt grow and evolve as guidance changes.
Is the Academy still running Creative Days?
Yes. Creative Days typically take place in artist studios at our main site, Mermaid Court, which is a five-minute walk from Borough or London Bridge stations. Alternatively, we can arrange your event to take place at your workplace or an alternative site.
We are also delighted to soon be running our first online Creative Day, and while we’re keeping things small for the time being we hope to be able to expand this offer in due course.
Please email creativeday@artacademy.org.uk or call 0207 407 6969 to talk to our team about our Creative Days.
I am a contractor. Will I still be able to access the Academy?
Yes,with prior arrangement. Please contact info@artacademy.org.uk or call 0207 407 6969 for more information.
I am a contractor. What is the Academy doing to keep me safe on site?
At the Academy, the health and wellbeing of our community including the network of businesses, suppliers and contractors which we rely upon to operate, are paramount. Our priority at all times is to ensure that our site is as safe as possible for everybody using it.
We are following Government regulations and working with representatives from within our community and beyond to make sure the Academy remains a safe space.
Visit our Keeping the Academy Safe page or contact harriet@artacademy.org.uk to find out more.
I need more information. Who can I contact?