Artists in Your Community

Presenters who want to seek out artists need not look further than their local communities. Some tips on how you can engage local artists include:

• Contacting the local arts council in your area
• Contacting the municipality (arts, recreation, culture divisions)
• Contacting local schools or school divisions for arts teachers in the schools
• Visiting local galleries
• Attending local performances
• Contacting Universities and Colleges with drama, music, arts and art education departments.
• Holding an “open call” to artists by distributing a online request for information or through local media and arts organizations. See sample request for information below.
• Developing an artist/community advisory committee​

SAMPLE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

We are currently seeking submissions in response to this Request for Information (RFI) for skilled artists to be considered for inclusion on a roster of pre-qualified teaching artists. Artists from the roster may be hired by (Name of Presenting Organization) or affiliated entities for facilitation of art and community projects and programs. Artists listed on the roster will be experienced teaching their disciplines to various populations, from youth to seniors, from the gifted to the challenged, and welcome the opportunity to explore the arts with diverse groups.

We hope to identify and retain artists that have the ability and appropriate qualifications to provide the services outlined. The information submitted will be used to identify and evaluate qualifications with the purpose of creating a teaching artist roster. 

Submission

Each submission shall include:

• Completed application form;
• Resume, including a minimum of three references and work samples;
• Cover letter including personal interest statement that may include: Why you would like to work with us, ideas about projects you might like to facilitate and your experience as a teacher and artist.

All submissions and applications will be reviewed by a panel of community members and staff. The following criteria will be used in the evaluation process:

• Community engagement experience;
• Quality of work- samples include projects that show mastery of technique;
• References;
• Additional value added components.