frequently asked questions
about dara
- Is the studio currently open? What is your response to the coronavirus?
- Do I need to have any former experience to study here?
- What do I need to provide to register for a class?
- Can anyone of any age apply?
- Can students from outside the European Union apply?
- Can I take a trial lesson before I decide if I want to continue?
- Can I start at any time?
- Are there any scholarships or discounts?
- Can I pay in installments?
- What languages do you offer classes in?
- What materials do I need to bring? Does the school provide any materials?
- Is there space for me to leave my belongings at the studio?
- Can I bring food into the studio?
- Can I work at the studio on my own outside of class times?
- Do I get an officially recognized diploma or certificate when I study here?
- Can I visit the studio in person before I sign up?
- I am a life model and I would like to pose for classes here. Do you have any openings?
Q: Is the studio currently open? what is your response to the coronavirus?
A: As of 1 June 2020, DARA has re-opened to students and visitors. However, all visitors must comply with certain conditions before entering the building, in accordance with health and safety measures set by the Dutch authorities. Please visit our Coronavirus Protocols page for more information.
Q: Do I need to have any former experience to STUDY HERE?
A: Although students will find it helpful to have completed prior artistic study before coming here, we do not require any former training from new applicants. We only ask for a sincere commitment towards the pursuit of skill-based artistic study. Please note that our courses are technical in nature, in tandem with our core philosophy of the importance of "technique before style." What we offer is intended for artists who wish to attain a high level of technical skill in the realms of representational drawing and painting.
Q: What do I need to provide to register for a class?
A: Students who wish to enroll in a class at DARA must complete the online registration form (available on the part-time class and/or workshop listing page.) At this time, there are no other enrollment obligations, such as sending in a portfolio or conducting an interview in the studio.
Q: Can anyone of any age apply?
A: Students of any age may apply, but please note that applicants under 18 years of age must provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian in order to enroll.
Q: Can students from outside the european union apply?
A: Yes, students outside the European Union may apply for both part-time courses and workshops. Please note that depending on the student's nationality, it may be necessary to obtain a visa before entering the Netherlands/Schengen Area. More information is available in our Studio Policies, under the section "Students Outside of the EU/EEA/UK."
Q: Can I take a trial lesson before I decide if I want to continue?
A: It is unfortunately not possible to get a sense of the entirety of atelier training from one class, so we do not offer trial lessons at this time. However, we are more than happy to welcome prospective students to schedule a visit to the studio to meet with the instructors, discuss individual artistic goals, and see the classroom environment firsthand before deciding whether or not DARA is the right fit for them.
Q: Can I start at any time?
A: Part-Time Programme: All courses in the Part-Time Programme run on a basis of 3-month trimesters during the Fall, Winter, and Spring period. Students can start at the beginning of any trimester. The registration period begins 3 months in advance of the start of each term, and ends 2 days before the start of the first class.
Workshops: Workshops are offered year-round, and are typically announced between 6 to 9 months in advance of the course. Students may register for a workshop up until 1 week before the start of the course, if there is still space available.
Please note that we keep spaces in all of our courses highly limited (between 8 to 12 students maximum) to ensure a high level of one-on-one attention. Students are therefore encouraged to enroll early, before spaces are booked.
Workshops: Workshops are offered year-round, and are typically announced between 6 to 9 months in advance of the course. Students may register for a workshop up until 1 week before the start of the course, if there is still space available.
Please note that we keep spaces in all of our courses highly limited (between 8 to 12 students maximum) to ensure a high level of one-on-one attention. Students are therefore encouraged to enroll early, before spaces are booked.
Q: Are there any scholarships or discounts?
A: Regrettably, we do not offer scholarships at this time. We do offer a 10% student discount off the cost of tuition for any Part-Time Course at DARA for the following individuals:
Students who qualify must send a copy of a valid ID or student card prior to the start of the course to claim the discount.
- students under age 21;
- students who are enrolled in a university programme during their trimester at DARA;
Students who qualify must send a copy of a valid ID or student card prior to the start of the course to claim the discount.
Q: Can I pay in installments?
A: For students enrolled in our Part-Time Programme, we offer the option of paying with a Monthly Installment Plan. This plan is offered under the following conditions:
Students who prefer to pay in installments can do so by following the secure link provided in the "Monthly Installment Plan" section listed in the part-time course listing page.
- Our Installment Plan bills students monthly for the equivalent of one third of the course tuition. The first installment is charged upon signing up, and the subsequent two installments are deducted automatically every 30 days (calculated from the date of checkout.)
- The Installment Plan is only offered for students paying by credit card, debit card, or Paypal. The plan requires a valid Paypal account to use. Please note that a 3,5% processing fee is applied.
- The option to sign up for the Installment Plan ends 30 days prior to the course start date. Students who register for a course after this time are advised that the full cost of tuition must be paid upfront.
- The Installment Plan is not offered for any short workshops/masterclasses with visiting instructors.
Students who prefer to pay in installments can do so by following the secure link provided in the "Monthly Installment Plan" section listed in the part-time course listing page.
Q: What Languages do you offer classes in?
A: Because we have students and instructors of all different nationalities, English is the primary language used in our courses. Courses that are offered in both Dutch and English, or in other languages, are always indicated in the course description.
Q: What Materials do I need to Bring? Does the school provide any materials?
A: Easels and drawing boards are always provided by DARA. Most other materials are at the student's expense. In the event that any additional materials are included with the cost of tuition, they will always be indicated as such in the course description and materials list.
Each instructor compiles a list of required materials for his or her classes, which is made available online as a PDF download on the course listing page. We do our best to list supplies that are easily found in most local art shops, though we are always happy to assist if a student has any difficulty locating the correct supplies. Students are expected to bring all required materials in order to participate in class.
For painting students: please note that for safety reasons, we do not allow the use of turpentine or other strong-smelling solvents in the studio, under any circumstances.
Each instructor compiles a list of required materials for his or her classes, which is made available online as a PDF download on the course listing page. We do our best to list supplies that are easily found in most local art shops, though we are always happy to assist if a student has any difficulty locating the correct supplies. Students are expected to bring all required materials in order to participate in class.
For painting students: please note that for safety reasons, we do not allow the use of turpentine or other strong-smelling solvents in the studio, under any circumstances.
Q: Is there space for me to leave my belongings at the studio?
A: Yes, every student is given individual storage space to keep art supplies, art works in progress, and other personal belongings at the studio. Please note that students are required to bring all their belongings home at the end of the trimester or workshop.
Q: Can I bring food into the studio?
A: Yes, students are welcome to bring food and drinks (with the exception of alcoholic beverages) into the studio. There is a small kitchen available for use, and we also offer complimentary tea and coffee during studio hours. Workshop students also enjoy a complimentary light lunch and snacks each day of the course, provided by us.
To avoid the risk of damage to artwork, students are kindly requested to confine food and drinks to the kitchen/dining area.
To avoid the risk of damage to artwork, students are kindly requested to confine food and drinks to the kitchen/dining area.
Q: Can I work at the studio on my own outside of class times?
A: Students enrolled in the Part-Time Programme are welcome to work at the studio uninstructed on Saturdays from 10:00 - 17:30, except during school breaks and holidays.
Q: Do I get an officially recognized diploma or certificate when I STUDY HERE?
A: DARA is a private institution, and regretfully we are not authorized to offer an officially recognized diploma or certificate.
Q: Can I visit the studio in person BEFORE I SIGN UP?
Q: I am a life model and I would like to pose for classes here. Do you have any openings?
A: We are always seeking new life models! Please fill out our contact form or send an email to info@dutchartatelier.com for a full application.
