Schools work with ArtsConnection to design a program that meets their specific educational needs. Each school has its own culture, strengths and weaknesses, and goals for students, teachers and families. ArtsConnection's Program staff seeks to understand each school's unique qualities and to incorporate them in the program design.

After reviewing our In-School Programs on this site or in our information packet (to obtain a copy, please e-mail us at artsconnection@artsconnection.org), school representatives meet with our Director of In-School Programs to begin the process of designing a program. During the design phase, a proposal and budget is prepared that includes the exact services a school needs and can afford. Following a final review of the full proposal, an ArtsConnection Program Manager will contact the school representative to schedule the artists' visits.

For more information, please contact Carol Rice, Director of Programs at 212-302-7433, ext. 474.



Schools use funding available through Project Arts, the Parent/Teacher's Association, Region/District Funds, Federal Title Funds, QUIPP, Goals 2000, school-based management funds, and magnet programs to help support the cost of the program. All in-school programs are also subsidized by ArtsConnection in order to cover the complete cost of the program.



Before contacting us, schools will find it helpful to designate a small committee to participate in the planning. Often, this committee conducts a needs assessment among teachers by grade to determine, for example, what arts disciplines or specific cultural, thematic, or curricular areas they would like to focus on through our programs. Issues of space (are the facilities large enough for dance workshops? Is there a wood floor in the auditorium or gym?) and scheduling (how and when to free teachers to attend staff development workshops) should also be addressed.

While ArtsConnection's artists and Program staff work hard to ensure that students and schools benefit as much as possible from our programs, we have learned that school administrators and teachers can help us to meet that goal by reviewing the following questions before and during their meetings with us:
  • Have clear goals been set for bringing ArtsConnection to your school? Is the proposed program seen as integral to the students' overall educational experience?

  • Have the appropriate teachers, staff and, where applicable, parents been included in the planning and design of the program? Do all participants understand their roles and responsibilities in the project?

  • Has a school representative been designated as project coordinator? This person should be able and willing to communicate pertinent information quickly to participating teachers and staff, should be reachable by phone during the day, and be familiar with scheduling issues.

  • Has sufficient time been allowed for staff development workshops and planning and reflection meetings?

  • Is the project sustainable?





ArtsConnection does not have a formal application or audition process for teaching artists. There is no deadline for submission of application materials. All application materials are reviewed on a monthly basis and kept on file for at least one year. If we have a current or anticipated need for a particular art form, we will review the materials sent by artists in that discipline and contact those artists who best meet our needs. Artists being considered for the roster are also observed and evaluated at least once in a school by ArtsConnection Program staff.

If you are a professional artist with substantial experience teaching children and are interested in working with ArtsConnection, please submit:
  • A cover letter. In the letter, please explain your approach to teaching your art form and/or the philosophy that informs your work.
  • A one-page outline of a ten-session residency.
  • A résumé that demonstrates your experience as an artist and/or as a teaching artist. If you have lesson plans you may also include a copy.

Please send materials to:
Dance, Theater, Music or Visual Arts Committee (choose one)
ArtsConnection
520 Eighth Avenue, Suite 321, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10018
If you have further questions, please contact Laura Broomhall, 212-302-7433, extension 460.