FOR ARTISTS

during the residency

Timeline For AIE Residency Artists

1-2 months before the residency:
  • Participate in the planning meeting to discuss, confirm and schedule all details of the residency.
  • Share personal background, vision, and objectives for the residency with participating teachers and administrators.
  • Develop suggestions for possible field trips, Visiting Artists or special events.
  • Plan the residency’s daily class activities as well as the staff Professional Development Workshop.
  • Determine supplies/materials list; discuss procedures, responsibilities and timeline for ordering and reimbursement (if applicable).
  • An AIE Mentor will contact first time AIE artists to offer support in the process and set up the on-site visits.
Theatre Residency at ECO Charter School, Camden
Theatre Residency at ECO Charter School, Camden
1-2 weeks before the residency:
  • Provide teachers/staff with any materials that will help staff and students to prepare for the residency: slides, photographs, stories, poems, music, topics or web links that can inspire discussion, research or journaling.
  • Touch base with the On-Site Coordinator to confirm that all supplies/materials are on hand, confirm the schedule and discuss any last-minute details.
  • Be available to communicate with teachers/staff and AIE Partner by phone or e-mail.
  • Notify AIE Partner of any changes in residency design or schedule.
The first day of the residency:
  • Arrive early to allow time needed for: signing in at the main office, getting school visitor ID badge (if needed), verifying any last-minute schedule changes (fire drills, early dismissal, assemblies), and setting up for teaching class sessions.
  • Introduce yourself to students and staff, share your work experience as an artist and explain what the residency will involve.
  • Plan an opening activity that engages all learners and sets a tone for respect, joy and collaboration.
  • Speak with residency classroom teachers and/or On-Site Coordinator after class or at the end of the day to gather helpful feedback, to discuss any problems or concerns and to determine any necessary modifications.
During the residency:
  • Be prompt, enthusiastic, curious and flexible.
  • Communicate regularly on the residency’s progress with your AIE Partner and submit invoices for payment as contracted.
  • Discuss residency progress and documentation frequently with classroom teachers to note successes and address any challenges.
  • Follow school and district policies and procedures; ask school staff or site coordinator for guidance as needed.
  • Foster an atmosphere of creative collaboration; be willing to learn as well as teach.
  • Conduct a staff Professional Development Workshop to introduce techniques and concepts in your art form and discuss possible extensions of the residency’s impact through follow-up activities.
  • Work with staff to arrange field trips, Visiting Artist workshops and culminating community. Hold an exit meeting with participating teachers and staff to discuss/evaluate residency.
After the residency:
  • Complete the Residency Artist’s Final Report evaluation and submit remaining invoices.
  • Reflect on the residency’s successes/challenges and make notes for future residencies.
  • Help to document the residency by sharing photographs, audio- or videotapes and/or student work samples, with the site.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities for teaching artists such as those offered by AIE Consortium partners and the New Jersey Arts Education Collective (see Resources, pg. 48).