About ProjectArt

ProjectArt is an award-winning, arts education-centered non-profit that serves youth and artists in partnership with the nation’s public libraries. Our model entails tuition-free, after-school art classes to children, and art residencies to emerging artists committed to arts education and social impact.

Prior to the pandemic, ProjectArt classes were held in-person at 43 libraries in NYC, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and most recently, Cleveland. Last year, ProjectArt held its programs virtually to assure the safety of our communities nationwide. The 2021-2022 year will consist of both in-person and virtual programming, as we work with our library partners to develop safe reopening strategies. 

Residency Summary 

The Arts Education and Social Impact Residency is a unique opportunity for visual artists to engage with communities through local libraries, while teaching afterschool art classes, and expanding their artistic practice. Each selected artist is assigned to a partner public library where they develop a curriculum, instruct and mentor youth ages 4-18, two classes per week, each lasting an hour. At the same time, library resources are available for the artist to develop a new body of work and research. It culminates in a professionally curated resident group exhibition featuring works created by all of the residents for the city or region during the program year. The residency also offers artists panel discussions, studio visits, and art-world professional consultants.

*Classes, activities, and exhibitions will be held either in-person or virtually depending on each library and city’s reopening guidelines.

APPLY HERE

Duration & Locations: 

The duration of this residency is roughly nine months, from September 2021 through early June 2022. Residents are required to attend a series of training and professional development workshops in early September organized by ProjectArt, prior to classes commencing the fourth week of September.

Application Details

Artists are culturally responsive contemporary artists of all ages and backgrounds chosen by a jury in early summer. Candidates are interviewed and selected in early July. 

Resident Role & Teaching Time Commitments

The duration of this residency is nine months from September 2021 through early June 2022. 

Fall Semester: September-December 2021 (12 weeks) 

Winter/Spring Semester: January- June 2022 (18 weeks) 

Residents are required to attend a series of trainings and professional development workshops throughout the year, in addition to three training sessions in early September organized by ProjectArt. Artists also participate in Projectart exhibitions at the end of the winter/spring semester. 

The Residency Provides: 

• Compensation covers 3 hours per week @ $60 per hour. Includes two 60-minute classes and one hour of paid preparation time.
• Paid training and additional $200 compensation for end-of-year exhibit.
• Intermittent professional development opportunities.
• Library-approved, non-toxic teaching supplies furnished by ProjectArt.
• Public library resources (digital or in person) to conduct research to further artistic practice.
• End-of-year resident group exhibition, virtual and/or hosted by a partner art gallery. 
• Visibility on ProjectArt’s social media platforms and PR promotion. 
• Artist and organization meet-ups: virtual or in person visits to museums or artists studios.
• Opportunity to participate and conduct artist activations with organization partners.