MAY 14, 2009 ISSUE
Mountain Arts School Residency Programs In Search of Artists
The Watauga County Arts Council is part of the Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina, a regional group that works together to network and develop of roster of teaching artists that are available to work in schools in the High Country. The name of the teaching artist program is the Mountain Arts Program (MAP).
MAP is currently seeking artists in all disciplines to participate in a program of residencies in public schools in Western North Carolina counties. Visual artists, dramatists, dancers, jugglers, mimes, folk and classical musicians, photographers, craftspeople and writers are sought to work in schools with students of all grade levels. The residencies range from single day visits up to full weeklong residencies (up to five groups of students). The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, May 22.
Founded in 1983, MAP has sponsored single-day visits to full weeklong residencies at all grade levels from kindergarten through high school. The students who take part are involved in hands-on sequential art experiences and are exposed to working professionals who bring a respect for their art and discipline, while providing a positive role model and art experience for the students.
The residencies are administered in each county by the participating arts councils and supported by locally raised funds, allocations from public school budgets, as well as grants from the North Carolina Arts Council, which is funded by the North Carolina Legislature. The artists receive a stipend for each residency from $200 to $650, depending on the number of days contracted.
In the past, the roster of artists for this program has included visual artists who worked with murals, sculptures, masks, pottery, leather, fabric, basketry, painting, pottery and drawing. Performing artists have taught juggling, clowning, dance, creative movement, dulcimer, mime, magic, storytelling, drama, improvisation and clogging. The program also encompasses photography, music and creative writing.
The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WAANC) sponsors MAP and each arts council is then responsible for contracting directly with the artists who are responsible for all local arrangements.
Representatives of all participating arts councils select the artists for the roster through an application and interview process. Artists are also required to submit a sample five-day lesson plan with the completed application and three letters of reference. Final selections will be conducted through auditions held on Wednesday, June 10. For more information, fee structure, and an application, click to www.waanc.org or contact the Toe River Arts Council by emailing trac@toeriverarts.org or call 828-682-7215.
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