Applicants Sought For Master Teaching Artist Program

HARTFORD — Connecticut Commission on the Arts is accepting applications from resident artists for its Master Teaching Artist program, which provides special training and recognition for artists interested in classroom residencies and other educational opportunities. The application deadline is October 13.

Accepted artists will receive five days of intensive training in teaching methods, curriculum design and career development. After training, artists will be formally added to the Commission’s Directory of Master Teaching Artists, which is made available in printed and online formats to Connecticut schools and nonprofit organizations.

The commission further provides employment opportunities for artists by offering funding to organizations that present workshops and residencies by directory members. Several artists have gained national reputations for their arts in education work since becoming master teaching artists.

The commission seeks experienced visual, literary and performing artists with a history of quality work who can bring diverse cultural background to the program and who have the potential to work effectively in classrooms.

The commission is particularly interested in recruiting artists working in the following disciplines and subject areas: solo vocalists, videographers, computer artists, traditional craftspersons and performers, writers working from strong cultural traditions, and artists exploring relationships between art and science.

Applicants will be reviewed by a panel of teachers, school administrators and artists and evaluated on the quality of their work and actual or potential ability to work successfully in a classroom setting. Artists are required to submit samples of their work and other support materials.

Application forms and guidelines are available by phoning the Commission on the Arts at 860/566-4770 or by downloading materials from the commission’s Web site at www.ctarts.org/directry.htm. Questions may be addressed to David Marshall, program manager, at the above phone number or by sending E-mail to dmarshall@ctarts.org.