Twice a year, ArtsWestchester admits qualified visual, performing, literary, and digital artists to its Teaching Artist roster.
Members of the roster are featured in an online resource for schools and community agencies who want to work in collaboration with an artist to conduct an artist residency. Teaching Artists are also given opportunities for professional development through ArtsWestchester. Artists selected for the Teaching Artist roster remain on the roster for five years, at which point they may apply to renew their status.
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Spring: March 31st at 5:00pm
Fall: September 30th at 5:00pm
What is an ‘artist residency’?
An artist residency is a highly structured, multi-session workshop that fosters learning in and through the arts. Generally, workshops are sequential, with each session building upon the previous one. Teaching Artists develop and implement residencies in collaboration with educators or site staff.
In schools, residencies serve as an instructional tool, helping students to master core curricula content in other subjects as well as addressing the Common Core Standards in the Arts. In after-school programs, mental health facilities, shelters, and other community settings, residencies foster cognitive, developmental, social, and individual skills essential to success in one’s personal and professional life.
Who can apply to be included in the Teaching Artist roster?
Artists of any discipline (visual, performing, literary, or digital) who live or maintain a studio/performance space in the New York Tri-State area and meet the following criteria:
- Must be an active professional over the age of 18
- Must have independent insurance coverage (health, liability, workers compensation, etc.)
- Must have undergone a New York State Background Check (Fingerprinting)
- Must have current body of recent work
- Must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with schools and community agencies
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills
- Must possess knowledge and understanding of curricula and the needs of particular groups (children, seniors, teens, individuals with disabilities, etc)
- Must have experience conducting residencies/hands-on workshops
How does an artist apply for the program?
Visit ArtsWestchester’s Submittable portal here to apply. If you do not have a Submittable account, you will need to create one in order to complete the application.
When is the deadline to apply?
There are two deadlines each year: March 31st at 5:00 pm and October 15th at 5:00pm. Applications submitted by March 31st at 5:00pm will be reviewed in the spring and applications submitted by October 15th at 5:00pm will be reviewed in the fall.
Is there a fee to apply or participate in the program?
No, it is free to apply to the Teaching Artist roster and participate in the program.
What is the selection process?
After submitting your application on Submittable, you will receive a confirmation email stating that your application has been received. After the next deadline (either March 31st or October 15th), ArtsWestchester secures an independent panel of professionals in the field to review all applications and select artists to join the Teaching Artist roster. Part of the selection process will include an interview with the panel.
Am I guaranteed work through the Teaching Artist roster? How do I participate in a residency?
No. While many of our artists have the opportunity to conduct residencies with schools and community sites, there is no guaranteed work as a member of the Teaching Artist roster. The needs of our partners are constantly changing, and some disciplines may be more in demand than others at any given time.
If a site is interested in conducting a residency with you, you will typically be contacted by an ArtsWestchester Arts in Education staff member. In some cases, the site may reach out to you directly.
If I am chosen for a residency, how much will I be paid?
Compensation may vary based on the opportunity, but this is the ArtsWestchester recommended fee structure:
- $150 per planning session (1 – 1 ½ hours)
- $350 per full-day session (Between 3.5 and 5 ½ hours, including set-up and clean-up time),
- $200 per half-day session (1 – 3.5 hours, including set-up and clean-up time),
- $150 per wrap-up session (1 – 1 ½ hours)
*Note that artist residencies always include a planning session but may not always include a wrap up session.
What happens if I am accepted into the Teaching Artist roster?
After receiving a congratulations letter and attending a recommended new artist orientation, you now qualify to be listed as an ArtsWestchester Teaching Artist for opportunities to partner with schools and community sites. You will also receive monthly teaching newsletters and have the opportunity to take part in professional development opportunities through ArtsWestchester.
What happens if I am not accepted into the Teaching Artist roster?
If you are not accepted into the Teaching Artist roster, you may reapply at a later date. Applicants may also set-up an appointment with an ArtsWestchester Arts in Education staff member to discuss the panel’s feedback on their application.
If accepted, how long does an artist stay active on the Teaching Artist roster?
All teaching artists need to submit a renewal application every 5 years to remain on the roster.
To submit a renewal application, please visit ArtsWestchester’s Submittable portal here. The deadlines for the Teaching Artist Renewal Application are also March 31st at 5:00pm and October 15th at 5:00pm.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact the Arts in Education department at ArtsWestchester.