Careers – Art Instructor: Artist-in-Residence Program

Art Instructor: Artist-in-Residence Program (Part Time)

Start Date: Approx. the week of January 27-31 

Contractor Position:  Duration 6 Weeks

Compensation – $50/hr 

Location: In-person 

Multiple Openings

Kern County, CA 

The Arts Council of Kern is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the designated local arts agency for Kern County. Our mission is to provide arts education, access, and advocacy to all Kern County residents and visitors.

We serve our mission in partnership with the California Arts Council, the County of Kern, and local agencies. Taking cues from community leaders, underserved populations, and the art-going public, the ACK endeavors to more accurately serve the county and its people by introducing new ways of thinking about art while also giving financial support to artists, creatives, and organizations that have been working diligently to bring the arts to Kern County.

Description: The Arts Council of Kern seeks artists who align with the organization’s mission of creating access to arts education and are passionate about nurturing creativity in the next generation of artists. The Artists-in-Residence will facilitate in-school art workshops for K-12 students across Kern County. With the support and leadership of the Arts Council of Kern team, the Artist-in-Residence will have the opportunity to impact students’ lives through the life-changing powers of the arts. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will report to the Arts Council of Kern’s Leadership Team. The role will have a 6-week contract with monthly responsibilities and not limited to the tasks below:

Artist-in-Residence Responsibilities: 

• The ideal candidate will have experience as a working artist and be capable of learning how to teach their practice to students.  
• The Ideal candidates will have experience with any of the following target art categories: visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, media arts, culinary arts, or music. 
• Facilitate in-school art workshops for K-12 students that meet weekly. 
• Develop inclusive and student-centered lesson plans based on chosen art subjects, school preferences, and guidance from the Arts Council of Kern. 
• Implement accommodations and tailor lessons for students based on needs. 
• Submit written workshop updates and content, including photos and videos. 
• Provide student evaluations to gather data on the program’s impact. 
• Other duties include general administrative tasks such as tracking student attendance, picking up and organizing supplies, submitting invoices and mileage reports, and communicating regularly with the Arts Council of Kern team.

Required Skills:

• Reliable 
• Positive attitude
• Artistically-inclined 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Creative and resourceful problem-solver and solution-maker
• Self-motivated team player capable of working independently and collaboratively

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education or work experience relevant to the primary responsibilities.
• Ability to conceptualize personal art practice in relatable lessons for students. 
• Comfortable with classroom and student management. 
• Willing to travel and work flexible hours, including weekday K-12 school hours.
• Must complete fingerprinting, pass a criminal background check, and provide proof of recent tuberculosis test. (ACK will facilitate and cover the costs of the tests) 

Desired Experience:

• Bilingual English/Spanish (not a requirement) 
• Experience facilitating in-person workshops
• Experience facilitating lessons for groups 
• Experience with teaching art (teaching credentials are not required) 
• Experience working with students between the ages of 5-18

Potential Schedule: Two to eight weekly weekday workshops between 9 a.m. and 3:30 pm PT. Each workshop is for 45 minutes, and a minimum of two workshops will be scheduled each day. You must be available during weekday K-12 school hours for the same days you are assigned to teach for the duration of the contract. 

Workshop Supplies: All the workshop materials for the students and instructors will be provided pending approval of the lesson plan and overall cost. The instructor will be required to pick up the materials from the Arts Council of Kern office in Bakersfield. 

Location: The workshops will occur in person at the assigned schools across Kern County. 

Transportation: The applicant must have reliable transportation to the assigned schools and will be responsible for picking up the supplies needed from the Arts Council of Kern office in Bakersfield and transporting them to each workshop. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

Compensation:

• $50/hr during instruction time 
• $25 stipend for every workshop taught to account for preparation time 
• Mileage Reimbursement at $0.67/mile 
• Flexible schedule (You have the opportunity to choose your own schedule within the available weekday time frames, with a minimum of two workshops per day) 

Application: To apply, please email your up-to-date resume and cover letter, answering the questions below, to [email protected]. Additionally, please include three work samples and one professional reference. Please include the title in the subject line: “Art Instructor Application.” No phone calls, please. Apply by January 5, 2025. 

Cover Letter Questions: 

• Share your experience as an artist. 
• Share your experience with your chosen art medium. 
• What other arts skills do you have? (Please be specific)
• Share any experience you have as an educator. What have you taught and where? 
• Share any experience teaching or supporting students between the ages of 5-18.  
• Share any nonprofit experience you have, if any. (working/volunteering)
• Include anything else you want to share that makes you the ideal candidate for this role.