General Questions

What is the difference between a workshop and a bootcamp?
Workshops and bootcamps are short courses open to all artists, including hobbyists. There are no admissions requirements.

Workshops are courses of between 3 to 10 days, and offer artists of all levels the opportunity to learn from renowned guest artists. These courses are suitable for all levels - whether you are an established artist seeking to sharpen your skillset, an eager beginner who would like to dip your toes in, or something in between. Classes are always held during the daytime.

Bootcamps are short courses of a few weeks, and the key difference is that they are more academic in nature than workshops. Courses are generally aimed towards classical fundamentals, and are a good option if you are a student in our Trimester Programme or you think you would like to be. Classes are held during weekends or weekday evenings.

How are short courses different from DARA's Trimester Programme?
The Trimester Programme offers structured, long-term academic training, and there is an application procedure. Students' follow a traditional and successive course of study. Work is evaluated at the end of each trimester, and students must meet specific passing criteria before advancing within the programme.

This is completely different to short courses, where participation is open to everyone. Here, you can decide for yourself whether you want to draw, paint, etc. and there are no 'grades' given at the end. In the Trimester Programme, there is a pass/fail evaluation system, and you are limited to enter only the courses which are deemed suitable for your current level of technical skill.

The Trimester Programme is formally accredited by the Centrum voor Post Initieel Onderwijs Nederland (CPION) at the post-initial HBO level, and students are able to earn recognised post-HBO diplomas from this programme. Earning one or more diploma requires years of committed study. Diplomas cannot be earned from short courses, such as workshops or bootcamps.

When are short courses offered?
Workshops are offered year round. Most take place in spring and summer, though we aim to have a short workshop available to join at least once per month. Classes are always scheduled during the daytime.

Bootcamps are offered in the summer (late June to early September.) Classes are generally scheduled during weekday evenings, or weekends during the daytime.

​Will I learn to draw / paint from photos?
No, copying a photograph is not in line with DARA's philosophy or teaching approach. Some visiting instructors may discuss strategies to utilise photos as reference material without copying directly; however, the straightforward copying from a picture is not accepted within any course taught at DARA. Courses which revolve around studying historical techniques may include printed reproductions of old master drawings or paintings to use as reference.

Does DARA use the sight-size method?
No. If a visiting artist is teaching the sight-size method in his or her workshop, we will indicate it on the course page, but this is not common.
 
Can students of any age participate?
Classes are open to students ages 12 and up. Mature and respectful conduct, along with a serious commitment to learn, is expected from students of any age in order to participate.
Students under 18 years old: DARA must receive written permission from your parent or legal guardian in order for you to enroll. Please be advised that some classes may contain nudity (either models who pose nude, or copying after master works which depict nudity.) Maturity and professionalism is expected from all students.

Which languages are used in class?
English is the main language spoken for group discussions, demonstrations, or lectures in the classroom. Many instructors are able to offer individual feedback in Dutch or other languages, but a working fluency in English is needed to participate.

Can I follow classes online?
​All courses are instructed in person at our studio. We do not have plans to offer online classes at this time.

When will you announce next year's workshops / bootcamps?
The workshop schedule for the next year is generally announced in autumn. Bootcamps are generally announced in late winter/early spring.

Will courses offered this year also be scheduled next year?
We cannot make any guarantees that workshops or bootcamps will be offered again the following year.

Registration Q & A

How do I sign up for a course?
Simply fill out a registration form and let us know which course(s) you want to take, your contact info, and whether we have your permission to take photos of you or your work during class. That's it, you're all set!*

Please note that registration is first-come, first-served. This means that once a course fills up, a waiting list will be established. Registering early is therefore recommended.

* Are you registering for a workshop? We serve a complimentary lunch during workshops, so we will also ask you if you have any dietary restrictions.

Are there any conditions about who can apply?
No, there is no application procedure for Workshops or Bootcamps. Registration is open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is a workshop/bootcamp the right level for me?
In practice, workshops and bootcamps are open to beginners, intermediate artists, and experienced artists alike. Instructors can tailor their one-on-one feedback to each participant's individual level of ability.

On the course page, we always indicate the level of experience that we recommend for participants to have, in order to get the most benefit out of the course. However, you decide for yourself if this applies to you - there is no evaluation of any kind to enter a workshop or bootcamp.

If you are a complete beginner, bootcamps are the more beginner-friendly option.

Can students of any age participate?
Classes are open to students ages 12 and up. Mature and respectful conduct, along with a serious commitment to learn, is expected from students of any age in order to participate.
Students under 18 years old: DARA must receive written permission from your parent or legal guardian in order for you to enroll. Please be advised that some classes may contain nudity (either models who pose nude, or copying after master works which depict nudity.) Maturity and professionalism is expected from all students.

I would like to join a course, but the website says it's full. What should I do?
Class sizes are limited to ensure that participants receive a high level of individual attention. If a course that you're interested in has already filled, we encourage you to fill out a registration form anyway, and we will add your name to the waiting list. If a participant cancels before the course starts, we will reach out to those on the waiting list to try to fill the available space, so there is still a chance of being able to join.

When will you announce next year's workshops / bootcamps?
The workshop schedule for the next year is generally announced in autumn. Bootcamps are generally announced in late winter/early spring.

Payments Q & A

How much do courses cost, and what is included?
Please visit our Tuition Fees page to see prices for all courses currently on offer.

Tuition fees always include:

• Storage space for artwork and supplies for the duration of the course;
• Basic studio equipment (easels, stools, and drawing boards);
• Live model fees;
• Coffee, tea, and light refreshments served during all hours;
• (Workshops Only) Complimentary light lunch served daily;
• (Workshops Only) End-of-workshop borrel (light drinks & snacks) on the final evening of lessons.

For most courses, the expectation is that students will supply their own drawing and painting materials. If any materials are included with the tuition fee, this will be indicated on the materials list. Accommodation, airfare, and other travel expenses are not included.

​Tuition fees are subject to annual increase.

Do I get a discount if I take multiple workshops / bootcamps?
Yes, you do! Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

When is the deadline to pay?
To reserve your space in the course, a portion of the tuition fee must be made within a specified time period after you register.
If there is more than one month before the start of the course, you can secure your place in class by paying a deposit within 14 days of registration. You may opt to pay one half of the tuition fee as a deposit, and the other half one month before the course begins; or, if your course allows monthly billing, you may split the tuition fee into up to 6 monthly instalments. Available payment plans will be outlined in your proforma invoice.
If there are 4 weeks or less before the start of the course, you will need to pay the tuition fee in full within 5 working days in order to keep your place in the class secure. The full tuition fee must be received before the first day of class.
If your place in the class is not secured by paying within the deadlines specified above, we consider this a cancellation. We cannot hold the space for you past the deadline without payment, and we reserve the right to offer the space to someone else if the class has a waiting list.

What if I miss the payment deadline?
We will always send you a reminder by email when a payment deadline is coming up (typically 1-2 days in advance.) If you miss a deadline, we consider this a cancellation - we cannot hold the space for you past the deadline without payment. We reserve the right to offer the space to someone else if the class has a waiting list.

Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, paying in instalments is possible for workshops and bootcamps, as long as your registration date falls more than one month before the start of the course. Available payment plans will be outlined in your proforma invoice.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments by bank transfer, credit or debit card, SEPA direct debit, iDEAL/Wero, and cash. Cash payments must be made in person by appointment, and we cannot hold a space in class for you if you do not pay by the given deadline.

If you opt for a monthly billing plan, we do not accept cash payments or bank transfers. You must sign up for automated billing using our ecommerce platform.

Are there any financial aid options available?
Yes! Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information about subsidies you may be eligible for, and discount offers from DARA.

Cancellations Q & A

What is your refund policy?
Do you want to credit your course fee to something else instead of cancel outright? Please refer to the next question, below.

• Eligibility for a full refund

1) If you cancel your course enrolment within 14 days of your initial tuition payment,* you are fully refunded, regardless of the amount of time between the cancellation date and the start of the course.**

* "Initial tuition payment" means the first payment made towards the course fee. For example, if you are on a monthly billing plan, the initial payment refers to the first instalment.

** If the course already started and your cancellation falls within this window of time, then you are still required to pay the total cost of services rendered. This is calculated by the number of lessons that were completed at the time you gave your cancellation notice, regardless of whether or not you attended class. The remaining balance is refunded.

2) Cancellations made with sufficient advance notice:
> Bootcamps: You notify us of your cancellation more than 8 weeks​ before the start of the course.
> Workshops: You notify us of your cancellation more than 5 months before the start of the workshop.*

* Why 5 months? There are more significant efforts involved in organising workshops, especially with visiting artists, and we need to know further in advance if there are sufficient student numbers. There are often participants travelling from abroad to join workshops, who also need confirmation that a course will run before organising their travel, lodging, etc.

3) Your cancellation is made at a time when you normally would not be eligible for a full refund, but the course has a waitlist and DARA is able to fill your place with another applicant.

• Eligibility for a partial refund

If you cancel when there are more than 4 weeks before the start of the course, DARA retains 50% of the total cost of tuition. If you paid an amount greater than 50% of the tuition fee, the difference is refunded to you. Please see exceptions, below.*

* When does DARA make an exception? DARA will waive our standard policy and refund you in full if another person is available to take your cancelled space before the course starts. We will do our best to make this happen, but cannot guarantee that this will always be possible. Refunds are processed 14 days after the alternate student's tuition fees have been paid. If we are unable to fill the cancelled space before the course starts, then our standard policy written above applies.

• Not eligible for a refund

1) If you cancel when there are fewer than 4 weeks before the start of a course, you are not eligible for a refund, nor eligible to credit your tuition fees to a different course.*
* When does DARA make an exception? DARA will waive our standard policy and refund you in full if another person is available to take your cancelled space before the course starts. We will do our best to make this happen, but cannot guarantee that this will always be possible. Refunds are processed 14 days after the alternate student's tuition fees have been paid. If we are unable to fill the cancelled space before the course starts, then our standard policy written above applies.

2) If you withdraw from a course at any time after it begins, for any reason, you are not eligible for any refund. Crediting tuition fees towards another course is also not allowed at this time. Absences from class are neither refunded nor made up in a private lesson at the instructor's expense.


Can I credit my course fee to something else?
A request to credit a tuition payment towards a different course is possible only if there are more than 6 weeks before the start of the original course you registered for. If that is not the case, then it is not possible to credit your payment to anything else, regardless of the reason you are withdrawing your enrolment.

There are a few other conditions in place as well:

1) You will transfer to a specific course which is currently open for registration at DARA. This needs to be indicated at the time you notify us of your intention to withdraw from your original course; we cannot keep a payment on hold for a hypothetical course at an unknown time in the future.

2) The course that you would like to transfer into has places available. If there are any admissions requirements, you meet all of them. There are no admissions requirements for Workshops or Bootcamps, only for the Trimester Programme.

2) If there is a price difference between the two courses, such that the tuition fee of the course you wants to transfer into costs less than your original course, DARA will refund the difference in tuition fees up to €300. Any amount left over is retained by DARA.

What if I am absent from class?
Absences from class are neither refunded nor made up in a private lesson at the instructor's expense. It is not possible to credit a portion of your tuition fee towards another course.

What happens if DARA cancels a course?
In the event that we cancel a course (for example, due to insufficient enrolment), we will notify you email and/or by phone. Except in the case of emergencies or other exceptional circumstances, any cancellations are made one month in bootcamps, and two months in advance of workshops.

In this circumstance, you can opt to:

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

In case an instructor or model is absent during the course (due to falling ill, etc.) DARA reserves the right to substitute in another qualified instructor or model in class if necessary. If a lesson must be cancelled for any reason, every effort will be made to schedule a make-up session at a time convenient for the majority of students. A voucher is offered to any students who cannot attend the make-up session.

Artist Supplies Q & A

Are art supplies included?
Easels, stools, and drawing boards are always provided. Any other supplies needed to participate in class are generally at the student's expense. These items stated on the course page, under the "Materials" section. This list is also provided to you in PDF format upon registration.

What supplies do I need to bring for class?
Artist materials needed for class are listed on the course page, under the "Supplies" section. This list is also provided to you in PDF format upon registration.

Can I buy everything I need at DARA?
Yes, we have a small supply store in the studio with most required materials available for sale.

​If there are items on the supply list that we do not carry, this is indicated in the PDF materials list sent to registered students. For such items, we include an overview of recommended art supply stores in Haarlem and surrounding cities where items can be purchased.

Can I substitute an item on the supply list with something else?
Consult with the studio first, before the start of the course. Some items, like Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits, may not be able to be substituted with other brands.

Why do you forbid all solvents other than Gamsol? I use something else/don't want to buy Gamsol.
Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits is one of the safest solvents currently available for painters. Its formulation is more refined than nearly every other brand of odourless mineral spirits on the market, with virtually all volatile aromatic compounds removed. It is the premier choice for working safely in indoor studios.

No other solvents (or paint mediums that contain other solvents) are allowed for use inside of DARA. This is a non-negotiable rule to ensure the safety and comfort of all students. Disregard of this rule, and/or flagrant misuse of solvents that could endanger the safety of others (pouring solvents in a communal drink cup instead of a proper storage container, for instance) is treated as a serious offense and will result in expulsion.

We understand that not all participants use Gamsol in your own studio, or may not wish to buy a large bottle that you cannot travel with. For this reason, we sell inexpensive glass storage jars suitable for the safe storage of solvents - you can purchase a jar and pay a small fee to fill it with a sample size of Gamsol during your course. That way, you only pay for what you need.

Why are brushes, paints, etc. not included for students?
Although workshops and bootcamps are open to everyone, DARA is a professional institution offering vocational training. Our courses are intended for working artists seeking career development / aspiring to enter a creative profession. It is presumed that participants already own basic tools such as oil paints, brushes, etc. and will continue to use these tools after the course ends.

If you are a complete beginner who is not actually sure if this is the right field for you, you might consider a bootcamp. These courses are tailored for the beginner level, with a very minimal supply list.

Can you purchase or reserve supplies for me to pick up later?
If there is an item we have available for purchase that you would like to pick up when you arrive, we can place it on reserve for you. Otherwise, we cannot place an order on your behalf at another art store.

Is there space to keep my supplies / artwork at DARA?
Yes, there is personal storage space set aside for you to keep your artwork and supplies for the duration of the course.

When your enrolment period ends, you must take your belongings home with you or pay a fee to have your belongings shipped to you. Our space is limited. We do not agree to store items for anyone other than currently registered students, and we accept no responsibility for anything left in our building once someone is no longer enrolled in a course. Even if you are planning to come back in several weeks/months/etc. please be aware that this policy does not change.

I am traveling from abroad. What materials am I allowed to take on a plane?
All flammable substances, such as solvents or aerosol fixative, are not allowed in either your hand luggage or checked luggage. If you are participating in an oil painting workshop, you may purchase sample sizes of Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits in our supply shop, so you don't buy more than what you need for the course.

If travelling with oil paints, it's recommended to print the Material Safety Data Sheets from the manufacturer to demonstrate that your paints have a safe flashpoint. Storing paints in a container labelled 'Artist Colours' is encouraged, as terms such as 'paints' or 'oils' may incite greater scrutiny. If you are storing paints in your hand luggage, ensure that you observe the maximum quantity of liquids, gels, and pastes allowed on board, and do not exceed this limit - otherwise, your paints will be confiscated.

Sharp tools such as palette knives, craft knives, scissors, etc. should always be stored in checked luggage.

For more helpful tips, we recommend this handy article by Robert Gamblin. 

Travel Q & A

Can I park my car at DARA?
Yes. On Zuider Emmakade, the street where DARA is located, there is 24/7 free parking.

For more info, click here to see which areas in Haarlem are in paid parking zones, and areas where you may park for free.

How do I reach DARA with public transport?
Nearest bus stops / train connections:

• Haarlem Schouwtjesbrug (lines 80, 680) 3-4 minute walk to DARA, connection to Heemstede-Aerdenhout train station;
• Haarlem Florapark (lines 50, 250) 8 minute walk to DARA, connection to Haarlem train station;
• Haarlem Centrum/Houtplein (lines 3, 50, 80, 346, 356) 14 minute walk to DARA, connections to Haarlem train station & Heemstede-Aerdenhout train station

Visit Connexxion for up to date info about bus routes & schedules.

​Are you visiting DARA from abroad? Please note that local bus drivers do not accept cash for bus fare. It's advisable to purchase your ticket in advance of your trip, or be prepared to pay the driver with a bank card. At the bus stop, stick out your hand as the bus is approaching to indicate to the driver that you want to board.

I live outside of the EU / EEA / Switzerland. Do I need a visa to travel to the Netherlands?
​​If you are a citizen of a country that has not signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area member states, you will need a short stay visa to enter the Netherlands. In Dutch, this is called a visum kort verblijf or VKV. You must apply for this type of visa yourself at the Dutch Embassy or Consular Office that serves your country of residence.

​Check whether you need a VKV here.

• Plan ahead if you need a VKV (Short Stay Visa)

You can apply for a VKV starting from 6 months ahead of your travel. From the time of your appointment at the Dutch Embassy or Consular Office, your visa application will typically be processed within 15 days; however, this period can be legally extended up to 45 days. 

Further, it may take time to book an appointment and gather all necessary documents to support your application, such as proof of accommodation during your stay. You can view all required documentation here.

It is therefore advised that you plan ahead, and are prepared to apply for the visa as early as possible.

• Travel requirements for visa-exempt nationals

Presently, nationals of visa-free countries (such as the United States, Canada, etc.) are able to travel to any country within the Schengen Area, such as the Netherlands, for up to 90 days out of a 180-day period with only a valid passport.

In the future, there are discussions of additional travel requirements which could be implemented in the last quarter of 2026. This is known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS is not in operation yet, but if/when implemented in the future, travellers will need to apply for ETIAS prior to arrival in the European Union. ETIAS will be linked to your passport and is planned to be valid for three years (or until your passport expires). When operational, travellers will be able to apply online for a fee of €7.

At the time of this writing (June 2026), ETIAS is not in operation and there is not yet a fixed date as to when it will begin. Please visit the official ETIAS website for up-to-date information.

• Study duration

If you do not have nationality in a country within the European Union, European Economic Area, or in Switzerland, DARA is not currently able to sponsor you to study in the Netherlands for a period that exceeds 90 days out of a 180-day duration. If you are planning on applying for multiple courses, or otherwise combining your study at DARA with a longer trip in Europe, you must ensure that your travel dates are within the maximum legal duration of 90 days out of a 180-day period.

Can DARA help me with obtaining a visa?
Currently, the only type of visa that students are able to attain for study at DARA is a short stay visa, or VKV in Dutch (visum kort verblijf).

The VKV must be applied for by you personally at the appropriate Dutch Embassy or Consular Office in your country of residence. DARA cannot apply for this type of visa on your behalf. However, we can provide documentation certifying your enrolment in our courses to support your application.

What accommodation is available for students travelling from far away?
Accommodation is not provided by DARA, and students are responsible for organising accommodation during your stay. Our recommendations:

Hotels Nearest to DARA

• The Niu Dairy
• Hotel Raecks
• Boutique Hotel 't Vosje
• Carlton Square Hotel Haarlem

These locations are all within approximately 15 to 20 minutes walking distance from DARA.

Hotels Near the Train Station
A stone's throw from Haarlem Station:

• Hotel Lion d'Or

Hotels in Haarlem Centrum
Located in the historic centre of Haarlem, near the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum:

• Ambassador City Centre Hotel
• Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals
• Haarlem Hotel Suites

Hostels

• Hello I'm Local

Short Term Rentals
Staying for several weeks / a couple months? Check out:

• AirBnB
• Pararius
• Kamernet
• Huurwoningen
• Huislijn

You might also check housing groups on Facebook in Haarlem and surrounding areas. More information about rental contracts and tenants rights in the Netherlands can be found here.

What if I cannot travel with wet paintings at the end of my course?
DARA can ship your belongings to you for a fee, which must be paid before the course ends. We use PostNL for all shipments (both domestic and abroad). Shipping costs are at the student's expense, and can be calculated here.

• DARA charges an additional service cost per package, which covers the cost of packing materials, labor, and transport to a shipping facility. Rates start from €25 for small parcels, and increase to €35 for medium and large parcels. (Check PostNL parcel sizes here.)
• Before the end of the course, let a member of staff know that you would like your belongings to be shipped to you. A waiver of liability must be signed, which states that DARA only retains responsibility of your belongings while they are stored in our care. We are not financially responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit.*
• At the studio, we will weigh and measure your items. A staff member will help you to print a shipping label on the PostNL website, which will requires you to submit a list of the weight, dimensions, and estimated value of all items if you are shipping outside of the country. Here, you will input your delivery address, contact details, and pay PostNL's shipping fee.
• Your painting will only be shipped when it is dry enough to package safely, and how long this might take is out of our control. We will notify you when it is ready to send.

 ​
* Liability: PostNL offers insured delivery for both domestic and international shipments, which compensates up to 5500 EUR in the event of damage or loss. Insuring the package is at the student’s expense.

I am traveling from abroad. What materials am I allowed to take on a plane?
All flammable substances, such as solvents or aerosol fixative, are not allowed in either your hand luggage or checked luggage. If you are participating in an oil painting workshop, you may purchase sample sizes of Gamsol Odourless Mineral Spirits in our supply shop, so you don't buy more than what you need for the course.

If travelling with oil paints, it's recommended to print the Material Safety Data Sheets from the manufacturer to demonstrate that your paints have a safe flashpoint. Storing paints in a container labelled 'Artist Colours' is encouraged, as terms such as 'paints' or 'oils' may incite greater scrutiny. If you are storing paints in your hand luggage, ensure that you observe the maximum quantity of liquids, gels, and pastes allowed on board, and do not exceed this limit - otherwise, your paints will be confiscated.

Sharp tools such as palette knives, craft knives, scissors, etc. should always be stored in checked luggage.

For more helpful tips, we recommend this handy article by Robert Gamblin. 

Certification Q & A

Do I receive a certificate after completing a course?
You are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion if you maintained an attendance rate of 80% or more during a workshop or bootcamp. Please notify the office if you would like a physical and/or digital copy.


I have heard that DARA offers HBO diplomas. Do I earn a diploma if I take a workshop or bootcamp?
No. DARA is able to grant officially recognised diplomas at the post-initial HBO level for students who meet certain educational requirements in our Trimester Programme. Other courses, such as workshops or bootcamps, do not qualify.

If I complete a workshop or bootcamp, am I automatically accepted into DARA's Trimester Programme?
No, short courses are separate from the Trimester Programme. There are no admissions standards for workshops and bootcamps - everyone is welcome to participate. However, there is an application procedure in place to enter the Trimester Programme, and the entrance criteria becomes stricter depending on the level of the course.

Artists who participate in a workshop or bootcamp are usually able to enter Tier 1 of the Trimester Programme, but acceptance into Tiers 2-4 is not guaranteed.

Miscellaneous Questions

Can I bring my friend / partner / family member to class?
No, classes are only open to registered students. In order to maintain a comfortable, safe, and focused class environment for all of our students, instructors, and models, we do not permit non-registered guests to join lessons.

If someone will drop you off and/or pick you up from class, he or she is kindly requested to stay in the entrance / lounge area while classes are in session.

For any informal gathering held at the end of the course, such as a borrel, your guest is very welcome to join.


Can I bring my pet to DARA?
No, pets are not allowed. If you have a working service animal, please indicate this in your registration form, or otherwise contact the office.


In portrait or figure workshops, how are easels chosen around the model?
We typically assign the easels by random lottery, to keep the easel selection process as fair as possible. If you require certain accommodations (need to be close to the model due to poor eyesight, etc.) please let us know in your registration form.

Can I take photos of models to draw or paint later, after the course ends?
No, recording photos or videos of models is not permitted for any reason.

Can I keep working at DARA after class?
No, the studio is not open to continue working after class hours. When daytime courses end, please note that there may be cleaning staff arriving to start preparing the studio for courses held in the evening. We kindly ask that students are respectful of our hours of operation, and promptly clean up and exit after class ends.

What are the studio rules for working at DARA?
All Studio Policies for short courses can be found here. Adhering to DARA's Studio Policies and Code of Conduct is a requirement for participation in workshops and bootcamps.