General

How much does a workshop cost, and what is included with the tuition fee?

With a few exceptions, most workshops at DARA are currently 18 hours duration (3 days), or 30 hours duration (5 days). The typical cost of tuition is 475 EUR for 18-hour courses, or 725 EUR for 30-hour courses.

Note that tuition fees may vary per course, depending on model fees, instructor's travel fare, and other variable costs which factor into the total amount. For an exact figure, please visit the webpage for the course you are interested in to see the tuition cost.

Tuition fees for workshops include:

• Complimentary lunch served daily
• Coffee, tea, and refreshments served during all hours
• End-of-workshop borrel (light drinks & snacks) on the final evening of lessons
• Model costs (when applicable)
• Storage space for artwork and supplies for the duration of the course
• Easels, stools, and drawing boards

​
Accommodation, transport, and materials such as paints, brushes, etc. are not included.

​Tuition fees are subject to annual increase.

When are workshops scheduled to take place?

Most workshops are scheduled to take place from late spring to early fall. At the moment, we typically do not run any workshops during the late fall and winter.

Will a workshop offered at DARA this year take place again in the future?

We cannot make any guarantees that workshops led by visiting instructors will be offered again the following year.

When will DARA announce the workshop schedule for next year?

The workshop schedule for the next upcoming year is published every fall. We generally do our best to publish the course roster in October or November, though a lot of time and effort is involved in organizing each year's programme and coordinating instructor schedules, and delays may happen. Patience is appreciated.

What will I learn in a workshop at DARA?

On each workshop page, the header at the top of the page will indicate the duration of the course and the recommended student level. Navigate below to the ''Overview'' section and you will find a written description of the course curriculum, as well as an outline of the day-to-day lesson plan under the "Schedule" section.

​Please review this information before applying.

Will I learn to draw or paint from photos?

No class at DARA teaches from photos. Students work from either direct real-life observation, or from high-quality reproductions of a master's work. ​

What level of ability is required to enroll?

Each course has different requirements. On the workshop page, the recommended level for students is indicated in the course description.

As a general rule of thumb, it is strongly recommended that students are able to competently draw from life before considering a painting workshop.

If you do not have much experience with drawing, but want to take a painting class, the workshops which would be most accessible to you are courses in which students reproduce a copy of a master's work.

When submitting your application, there will be an opportunity to upload examples of your work for instructors to review. If an instructor feels that your work does not demonstrate a sufficient level of readiness to fully benefit from the class, an alternate course will be recommended.

Which languages are used in class?

English is the main language spoken in lectures, demonstrations, and any other group discussions. Basic fluency in English is necessary in order to fully participate.

Does DARA take students of any age?

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 of age: DARA must receive written permission from a parent or legal guardian in order for students to enroll. Please be advised that some classes may contain nudity (either models who pose nude, or copying after master works which depict nudity.) ​

Can I follow a workshop online?

All workshops are instructed in person at our studio. We do not have any plans to offer online classes at this time.

Can I bring a friend or family member with me to class?

No, classes are only open to registered students. In order to maintain a comfortable, safe, and focused class environment for all students, guests are not permitted 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 of the studio while classes are still in session.

Can I bring my pet to class?

Pets are not allowed in the classrooms. If you have a service animal, please indicate this in your application form, or otherwise contact us before the start of your course.

Do I get a diploma or certificate when I complete a workshop?

DARA is a private training institution, and is not able to offer an officially recognized diploma or certificate at this time.

Can I park at the studio?

Yes. There is a public parking lot with 24/7 free parking directly in front of the building.

What is the easiest way to reach the studio by public transport?

By bus:
The nearest bus stops at Haarlem Edisonstraat (Buslijn 80 Amsterdam Elandsgracht-Zandvoort Centrum) about 5 minutes walking distance from the studio.

By train:
The nearest train station is Heemstede-Aerdenhout. From the station, you can board bus 80 (direction Amsterdam Elandsgracht) and depart at Edisonstraat. Alternately, walking to DARA directly from the station takes about 20 minutes.

Applications

How do I apply for a workshop?

All applications are submitted online.

To apply, navigate to any course by visiting the Workshop page and clicking a course thumbnail. If applications are open, an "Apply Now" button will appear near the top of the screen, which will direct to an online application form.

Personal information requested in the application includes the following:

• 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 and painting media
• Examples of your art
• Allergies or other dietary restrictions that the studio must accommodate when serving meals

How do I check if there are spaces available for a workshop?

If a workshop is fully booked, the course thumbnail is clearly marked with an orange banner that indicates "FULL." When visiting the course page, the course status at the top of the page is marked "Waiting List," and a written notice that the course is full is stated above the "Apply Now" button.

If there are no such indications that the course is fully booked, and the status at the top of the course page reads "Applications Open," then there are still spaces available in the class.

Can I still apply for a workshop if it's full?

Yes. By applying for a workshop that is full, your name will be placed on a waiting list.

If someone in the workshop cancels before the start of lessons, the instructor will review the waiting list to determine the applicant most suited for the class. The studio will then offer the available space to this person.

It is not possible to be placed on the waiting list without submitting an application.

When does the application period for workshops close?

Applications close two business days before the start of the course.

Why am I getting an error message when I try to upload images of my work to my application?

An error message will be returned if image files are too large. Any images of your work included with your application must be 5MB or smaller.

I submitted an application. How do I know if DARA received it?

An automated confirmation email is sent to you when your application is submitted. If you do not see this message in your inbox, please check your Junk/Spam folder in case it was filtered there.

If you did not receive any confirmation email at all, then DARA did not receive your application.

How long will it take to hear if I am accepted into a workshop or not?

Applications are reviewed and responded to within 2 working days, though we do our best to respond sooner if possible.

If you received a confirmation message at the time your application was submitted, then you can expect to receive a response from DARA by email within 2 working days. (Note that the office is closed on weekends and holidays.)

I was accepted to a workshop. Is there anything else I have to do?

• Review your acceptance documents. You should have received an acceptance letter, materials list, and a bill for the workshop tuition fees. Please review these materials thoroughly so that you are familiar with DARA's studio policies and fully prepared for class.
• Reserve your place. Your bill indicates the dates when each installment of tuition fees must be paid in order to reserve your place in the class.
  
• Check the materials list. Allow yourself enough time to secure any items you need before the trimester starts.
• Add the studio's email to your safe sender list. Important announcements and other correspondence from DARA are sent by email, please ensure that you are able to receive it.
• Do you live outside of the Netherlands? Check whether you need a visa before traveling to the Netherlands. If so, it is advised that you file your application at the appropriate Dutch Embassy or Consular Office as early as possible.
• Keep the studio updated if your contact or dietary information changes.
• Prepare to arrive to the first lesson on time and with the correct materials.

Payments

How much does a workshop cost, and what is included with the tuition fee?

With a few exceptions, most workshops at DARA are currently 18 hours duration (3 days), or 30 hours duration (5 days). The typical cost of tuition is 475 EUR for 18-hour courses, or 725 EUR for 30-hour courses.

Note that tuition fees may vary per course, depending on model fees, instructor's travel fare, and other variable costs which factor into the total amount. For an exact figure, please visit the webpage for the course you are interested in to see the tuition cost.

Tuition fees for workshops include:

• Complimentary lunch served daily
• Coffee, tea, and refreshments served during all hours
• End-of-workshop borrel (light drinks & snacks) on the final evening of lessons
• Model costs (when applicable)
• Storage space for artwork and supplies for the duration of the course
• Easels, stools, and drawing boards

​
Accommodation, transport, and materials such as paints, brushes, etc. are not included.

​Tuition fees are subject to annual increase.

When is the deadline to pay for a workshop?

A deposit payment of one-half of the tuition fee is due within 14 days of acceptance into a workshop in order to keep your space reserved. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the start of the course.

If there are fewer than 30 days before the start of the workshop at the time you are accepted into the class, the full cost of tuition is due within 5 business days. Tuition fees must be paid in full before the first day of lessons in order to participate.

If I do not pay by the deadline, is my space in the class still saved for me?

If your initial deposit was not paid by the deadline, your registration is cancelled. If you are still interested in joining the workshop, you may contact the studio to see if a place is still available, but there are no guarantees.

If you paid a deposit, but did not pay the outstanding balance within the deadline, there is a limited time in which the studio will continue holding your place for you. If the course has a waiting list, the studio will return your deposit and cancel your registration if the remaining fees are not paid within 5 days. If the course does not have a waiting list, and you still wish to participate, the studio charges a 10 EUR per week late fee on top of the outstanding balance.

What is DARA's refund policy?

• "Cool-off" Period

If the cancellation is made within 14 days of the initial tuition payment, tuition fees are fully refunded, regardless of the amount of time between the cancellation date and the start of the workshop.*

* Note: If the workshop has already started, then students are still required to pay the total cost of services rendered (calculated by the number of lessons attended.) The remaining balance is refunded.

• Cancelling more than 6 months before the workshop:

100% of the tuition fee is refunded.

• Cancelling fewer than 6 months before the workshop:

50% of the total tuition fee is refunded (excluding the deposit.)

• Cancelling fewer than 30 days before the workshop / after the workshop starts:

No refunds are given at this time. Crediting the tuition fee towards taking some other course in the future is not permitted.

• Absences

​Any absences during workshops are not refunded or made up with the instructor in a private lesson outside of class.

If I want to transfer my tuition fees towards a different workshop, can I do that?

 Transferring your tuition fees and enrollment from one workshop to a different workshop are accepted under the following conditions:

• You have chosen a specific workshop to transfer to;
• This course is published on DARA's course roster and currently open for registration;
• Space is available in the class you would like to switch to, and you have met any acceptance requirements;
• There are more than 6 weeks from the start of the workshop you originally applied to.
  

If these conditions are not met, transferring courses is not permitted and the studio's regular cancellation policy applies (see above 'What is DARA's refund policy?')

Are DARA students eligible for the STAP-budget?

Not at this time.

Please note that the STAP-budget will be discontinued in 2024.

Are there any discounts or other financial aid?

Yes. Students who work professionally in the creative or cultural sector may be eligible for a subsidy from Werktuig-PPO to help cover the cost of enrollment in workshops at DARA.

The studio also offers a work-study opportunity to one student during every workshop. This entails assisting with studio maintenance / classroom preparation in exchange for reduced tuition. This is only open if you are known to DARA already (i.e. you have studied here before) and have demonstrated good attendance and work ethic.

Please note that DARA's 10% Student Discount which is offered for part-time classes does not apply for workshops at this time.

Materials

What materials do I need to bring to class?

Easels, stools, and drawing boards are always provided at the studio. Any other supplies need to participate are stated on theworkshop page, under the "Materials" section. This list is also sent to accepted students as an email attachment.

Why is it that DARA does not provide materials like brushes, pencils, etc.?

• DARA offers vocational training for artists who are furthering their skills in drawing or painting at a serious level. Supplies like brushes, pencils, etc. are common tools that we expect students are likely to already own, and will continue to use after the trimester ends.
• Communal supplies are not always handled properly or with care. When your supplies belong to you, it is more likely that they will be handled correctly.
• Some items are very subjective – which brand of paints or brushes you prefer, the type/shape of palette that works best for you, etc. are down to personal taste.

Where can I buy art supplies?

We have a very small store space in the studio with a few limited supplies for sale. If there is an item on the course materials list that we sell at DARA, it will be indicated. All other materials should be purchased as necessary before the start of the workshop.

On the materials list emailed to accepted students, there is a suggestion of various art supply stores in Haarlem and surrounding cities where you can purchase any necessary supplies. (Availability may vary between stores.)

Can I substitute an item on the materials list with something else?

Consult with the studio first, before the start of the workshop.

Can DARA purchase supplies for me to pick up at the studio later?

If there is an item you need available for purchase at our studio, we can place it on reserve for you. Otherwise, we cannot place an order on your behalf at an art store.

Can I keep my drawing and painting supplies stored at DARA?

Yes, during the workshop. All students are given a designated storage space to keep supplies, drawings, and paintings for the duration of the term.

At the end of the workshop: if you are not enrolled in any further workshops, you must take your belongings home with you, or pay a fee to have your belongings shipped to you. Our space is very limited and we do not agree to store belongings for anyone other than currently registered students. Please be respectful and do not treat our space as if it should be your free storage facility.

Travel

Does DARA arrange accommodation for workshop students?

Accommodation is not provided by the studio, and students are responsible for organizing accommodation during their stay.

Can you recommend me a place to stay near the studio?

The following hotels have been highly rated by past workshop students from out of town:

Nearest to DARA

• Boutique Hotel 't Vosje

This is the nearest option, and is approximately 15 minutes walking distance from the studio.

• The Niu Dairy
• Hotel Raecks
  

Both locations are situated on the Leidsevaart canal, and approximately 25 minutes walking distance from the studio.

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

• Hotel Lion d'Or
  

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

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

Other Accommodation Options

• AirBnB has been a very popular option for our past workshop students visiting from out of town.
• Are you considering staying outside of Haarlem? Other popular destinations nearby include the city of Amsterdam, and the seaside town of Zandvoort. With public transport, the commute from Amsterdam Centraal to DARA is approximately 40 minutes by train; commuting from Zandvoort Centrum takes approximately 20 minutes by bus.

I live outside of the EU / EEA. What do I need to know before I apply?

• Do you need a visa?

​​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 Schengen Visa (in Dutch: visum kort verblijf or VKV) to enter the Netherlands. 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 visa here.

• Study duration

At this time, DARA is not able to sponsor students who reside outside of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) to study in the Netherlands for a period that exceeds 90 days out of a 180-day duration. There are no possible exceptions to this, even if you are a national of a country which is entitled to enter the Schengen Area without a visa.

Unless you have legal residency status in the Netherlands through your work or relationship with an EU citizen, there is unfortunately no circumstance in which you can attain a long-term study visa as a student at DARA at this time. If you are planning on applying for multiple workshops, 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.

• Plan ahead if you need a Schengen Visa

A Schengen Visa can be applied for 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.

Will DARA help me obtain a visa?

A Schengen Visa must be applied for by you personally at the appropriate Dutch Embassy or Consular Office in your country of residence. DARA cannot apply for a visa on your behalf, however we can provide documentation certifying your enrollment in our courses to support your application.

I will not pay a workshop deposit until my visa is secured. Will DARA guarantee that my space in the class is held for me in the meantime?

The studio will hold your place in the course within a reasonable limit of time.

​Upon your acceptance into a workshop, advise the studio if you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa. The studio will request to know the date of your appointment with the Dutch Embassy or Consular Office. This appointment should be booked at the earliest possibility (note that the earliest date that you can apply for a Schengen Visa is 6 months before your intended travel.)

From the time of your appointment, in most circumstances it takes 15 days for your visa application to process. DARA requires a course deposit to be paid at this time. If no payment is made at this point, the studio will not continue to hold a space in the course without evidence that the processing of the visa has been extended.

What if I cannot transport wet paintings or other personal belongings home at the end of the workshop?

​If you are unable to bring any items home with you at the end of the workshop, DARA can ship your belongings to you for a fee.

• During the 2023 workshop season, DARA has indicated specific dates when we will ship student belongings. This information is included in your Letter of Acceptance. Before your workshop ends, please let us know which date you would like your belongings to be shipped to you.
• DARA ships packages through PostNL. Shipping costs are at the student's expense, and can be calculated here.
• DARA charges an additional € 25 service cost per package, which covers the cost of packing materials, labor, and transport to a shipping facility.

​
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. DARA is not financially responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit.