How to Apply

Enrollment in our courses is possible by applying online through the DARA website. Visit the Summer Bootcamp page and click on a course. Click on the ''Apply Now'' button to navigate to our online application form.

Personal information requested in the application includes the following:

• Your full legal name
• Date of birth
• Current address
• Telephone number
• E-mail address
• Name and telephone number of your emergency contact
• Previous relevant education or training you completed
• Self-assessment of your skills in traditional drawing media
• Examples of your work
• A brief statement of your motivation to study academic art, and why you feel DARA is the right fit for you

 
The application period for a course ends four days before the first day of class.

Paying Tuition Fees

If you are accepted into a course, a deposit payment is due within 14 days of receiving an acceptance letter from DARA to secure your place in the class.

A deposit can be paid one of two ways:

• Paying the full cost of tuition upfront (cash, bank transfer, and online payment options accepted);
• Paying half of the tuition fee upfront, and the other half 4 weeks before the start of the trimester (cash, bank transfer, and online payment options accepted).

If you are accepted at a time when there are fewer than 4 weeks from the start of the course, all tuition fees are due to be paid upfront within 5 working days.

Upon acceptance, a quote is provided which details our accepted payment methods, payment deadlines, and provides a link for students to pay online. DARA processes all online payments through Stripe.

If a deposit is not paid within the deadline: DARA will consider this a cancellation. The student’s registration in the class is voided, and the space in the class is immediately offered to someone else if there is a waiting list.

If a deposit has been paid, but any outstanding balance of tuition fees are not paid on time: DARA sends a notice by email that tuition fees are overdue. If there is a waiting list for the class, and overdue fees are not settled within 5 days, DARA reserves the right to void and refund the student's registration and offer the space to someone on the waiting list. If the course does not have a waiting list, and the student wishes to maintain a place in the class, a €40 late fee is charged. An added 10% interest charge on the late fee is accrued for each week that the payment is overdue.

Transferring to a Different Class

If you were accepted into one course, but would like to switch to a different course instead, this can be considered under the following circumstances:

• There are more than 4 weeks before the start of the original course;
• The new course that you would like to switch to has places available;
• You meet any necessary requirements set by the instructor for enrollment in the new course.

Student Cancellations

To cancel your registration, send a written notice to [email protected]

Our refund policy is the following:

• "Cooling-Off" Period

​If the cancellation is made within 14 days of the student's deposit payment, the tuition fee is fully refunded.
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• Full Refund

Cancellations made when there are more than 8 weeks in advance of the first day of class are fully refunded.

• Cancelling when there are fewer than 8 weeks from the start of the course**:

When cancellations are made at this time, DARA retains the student's initial deposit payment, or the equivalent of 50% of the total tuition fee. The difference is refunded to the student.

• Cancelling when there are fewer than 4 weeks before the course**:

​The student is not entitled to any refund at this time.

** Exceptions
Note: In both these instances, DARA will waive our policy and provide a full refund if there is someone on the waiting list who is able to take your place in the class. While we will do our best to fill spaces that are cancelled, please note that we make no guarantees that this will always be possible. In the event that DARA is not able to fill the cancelled space, then our standard policy applies.

• ​Cancelling at any time after the course starts:

​No refunds are given, regardless of the number of classes attended. The student does not receive credit to take another course at a future date.

• Processing of Refunds

All refunds are processed within 7 days of the cancellation date. Please note that DARA is only responsible for refunding tuition costs. DARA is not responsible for any other associated expenses, such as travel fare or purchase of class materials.​​

For credit card payments, the amount of time it takes for refunded transactions to be visible on your account may exceed 7 days if your bank is located outside of the Netherlands. In this circumstance, typically refunds will be processed within 14 days, but please note that this is outside of DARA's control.​

Absences

It is expected that students will maintain an attendance rate of minimum 80% during the course.

Do not apply if you know in advance that it will not be possible for you to attend classes on this basis. It is not possible to benefit from the skills taught at DARA, or advance within the programme, unless you are able to commit to regular attendance and participation in class.

Absences are not refunded, and it is not possible to make up missed lessons in a private session with the instructor later. DARA reserves the right to refuse to re-admit students who consistently show poor attendance to any further courses.

Studio cancellations

In the event that DARA cancels a course (for example, due to lack of sufficient enrollment), students are immediately notified by phone and / or email. Except in the case of emergencies or other exceptional circumstances, any cancellations made by the studio are announced 30 days in advance of the start of the course.

In this circumstance, students can opt to:

• Keep a space reserved to attend the course at a postponed date;
• Transfer enrolment to another available course;
• Receive a full refund of tuition fees.

If a single class is cancelled (for example, due to the instructor falling ill), every effort will be made to schedule a make-up session at a time convenient for the majority of students. A refund for the lesson is offered to any students who cannot attend the make-up session. DARA reserves the right to substitute in another qualified instructor in a class if necessary.

Waiting List

Once a course fills, a waiting list is established for any subsequent applications.

In case a vacancy opens in the class before the first day of class, DARA will contact students on the waiting list, starting with the strongest/most qualified application first. The applicant has two days to reserve the available space in the class by paying a course deposit. Otherwise, the space is offered to the next person on the waiting list.

To be considered for the waiting list, it is necessary to complete an application form online.

Materials Storage

During the course, DARA provides each student with two personal storage spaces: a cubby to store personal belongings and art supplies, and a shelf to store drawings in progress. You are welcome to keep these items stored at school for the duration of the class.

At the end of the course, all of your personal belongings must be taken home. DARA only agrees to provide storage space during the period in which you are enrolled. We do not agree to store any of your belongings once your enrollment period has ended, and we accept no liability for anything left in the studio after that time. This rule applies even if you plan to take another course at some point in the future.

Studio Rules

It is expected that students will maintain a professional working environment at DARA by respecting themselves, fellow classmates, instructors, and models in accordance with the following policies:

• Arrive to class on time and with the correct materials.
• ​Classes are only open to registered students. Outside guests such as friends are not permitted to join the lessons.
• Cell phones should be switched off or silent during class.
• Clean up after yourself, and leave the studio in the same condition that you found it.
• There is a small kitchen available for students to use. Please clean any utensils or appliances that you use. Food kept in the refrigerator past its expiration date will be tossed.
• Please be respectful of DARA’s schedule. The building is not open to students before opening hours. After class, please clean up promptly and be ready to leave at closing time.
• If you find any broken equipment (such as an easel, etc.) advise your instructor.
• Items borrowed from DARA (drawing boards, etc.) must be returned by the end of the trimester.
• Ask permission before taking a photo of someone else’s work.
• Absolutely no photos are allowed of models posing nude. No exceptions, do not ask.
• Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits is the only solvent permitted for use inside the building. No exceptions.
• Any use of materials which creates dust/powder (sharpening charcoal, pencils, etc.) needs to be done over a trash bin. Do not sand palettes or canvas indoors.
• Working with powdered pigment is not permitted indoors.
• The use of spray fixative is not allowed indoors.
• It is strongly recommended to wear gloves if you are painting with lead white or other toxic pigments.
• All painting waste must be disposed in a metal waste bin sealed with a lid.
• Paintbrushes must be washed in the designated brush-washing sink.
• Clean any paint or solvent spills with soap and warm water.
• Disruptive conduct, including (but not limited to)
  • discrimination, harassment, verbal abuse, or physical violence directed towards another student or staff member;
  • destruction or theft of another student or staff member’s property;
  • ​refusal to follow safety guidelines;

​will result in dismissal from class and / or permanent expulsion from DARA. 
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