Community Art Collaborative Member-Artist (AmeriCorps)
The Community Art Collaborative (CAC) is a community arts-focused AmeriCorps program. Hosted at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) since 2004, CAC is grant funded by the Maryland Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps). The CAC program is based in Graduate Studies at MICA and is part of a larger National Service network of AmeriCorps programs throughout the country.
In the CAC program, AmeriCorps members are matched with non-profit community organizations, museums, and schools around Baltimore City to serve year-long (late August 2023 - mid-August 2024) community arts residencies. The work of CAC member artists provides youth and adults the benefits of after-school and community-based arts experiences, and strengthens neighborhoods through community art projects. CAC Members will develop social justice-based curricula, facilitate arts classes & workshops, assist in the evaluation of programs, and gain valuable professional experience in the community arts and non-profit fields. Members may also have the opportunity to develop special projects, plan community events, support their partner organizations and communities in a myriad of ways.
The CAC program is a great fit for someone who would like to:
1.) gain more hands-on experience and professional development for teaching art to youth and adults in community settings,
2.) become connected with a network of community-driven arts organizations in Baltimore, and
3.) use their creative expertise to contribute to impactful community-based work in Baltimore City.
CAC also serves as the "Community Arts Residency" for graduate students in the MFA Community Arts program at MICA, to provide in-the-field experience during their graduate studies. However, you do not need to be a graduate student to apply! Each year CAC welcomes new members who are recent high school and college graduates, current graduate students (in the MFA in Community Arts program at MICA), and professionals in creative and/or educational fields who are interested in gaining experience in the community arts.
Preferred qualifications:
- Prior experience teaching art to K-12 youth, or working directly with K-12 youth in a related capacity. Minimum 1 year experience is preferred.
- Strong interest in facilitating K-12 youth arts programming, with flexibility to work with multiple age groups including adults.
- Flexibility to work with one of several partner organizations through CAC, which are subject to change prior to each program year.
- Experience in volunteer service projects and/or community organizing for events or projects.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal & written) and an ability to stay in consistent communication with the CAC program and your partner organization/site supervisor throughout the year.
- Solid writing skills, for writing lesson plans, monthly report reflections, and potential grant applications for community projects.
- Organizational and time management skills; attention to detail.
- Some experience in data and information management preferred.
- Curiosity to increase knowledge of best practices in community arts, art education, and youth development, through ongoing training, professional development, and mentoring. Commitment to incorporating principles of equity, accessibility, and social justice within arts programming.
- Ability to be a strong team player.
AmeriCorps eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Acceptance and participation in an AmeriCorps program is conditional upon a National Service Criminal History background check (provided by the program)
Benefits:
The program offers many benefits through AmeriCorps, including:
- A living stipend starting between $17,600-$22,000, please note this amount is subject to change before August 2023. Our website will be updated, if changes occur*
- Premium-free healthcare (including medical, dental, vision, AD&D)
- A Member Assistance Program, with services such as free, 24/7 counseling and other life/work balance supports
- Federal Segal Education Award (approx. $6,895) given at the completion of a year of service in the program, which can be applied to future education costs or qualifying student loans
- Childcare benefits to eligible members
- Schools of National Service program for AmeriCorps alumni
As MICA staff members, CAC members receive additional benefits, including:
- Access to campus resources including tech rentals, resources through Decker library, and more
- Free software, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office
- Special campus events, including guest speakers, Staff Development days, and more
- Extensive Professional Development opportunities throughout the year in CAC
- Eligibility to apply for MICA’s Community Engagement Grant
- For returning CAC members (serving a second year in CAC), tuition remission benefits for MICA’s Open Studies classes
*CAC's program year is contingent on approval of funds from AmeriCorps, expected in late Spring/early Summer of 2023. Member living stipend for 2023-24 may increase based on funds awarded.
How to Apply:
The link to our online application can be found through our website only: https://www.mica.edu/cacapply Applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Resume/CV
- A cover letter that specifically describes why you are interested in the CAC program, and why you would like to facilitate youth arts programming in community settings
- A digital portfolio (PDF) containing 6-10 images of your artwork, teaching samples, community projects, or related materials [View an example format here - view only]
- Contact information for two (2) professional references
- 1-2 Letters of Support from your Professional References
Application Timeline:
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority applications are due by May 31. Applicants are encouraged to apply earlier if able.
- Interviews for selected applicants will begin in June 2023, via Zoom. Applicants are asked to research our Partner Organizations in preparation for their interview.
- The AmeriCorps service year commitment for selected applicants will begin the last week of August 2023, and run through August 14, 2024.
- CAC’s program year is contingent on approval of funds from AmeriCorps.
Learn more:
- Website: https://www.mica.edu/cac
- Instagram: @communityartcollaborative
- Contact: Susan Tuberville, CAC Program Manager, stuberville@mica.edu