Description

Teaching Artist Project Opens Applications for 2025-2026 Signature Program A premier training opportunity for NYC-based artists passionate about arts education and social justice Teaching Artist Project (TAP), New York City’s longest-running professional development program for Teaching Artists, is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Signature Program. This eight-month intensive training and internship program is designed to empower working artists to bring their creative process into classrooms through the lens of social justice, collaboration, and equity in education. Since 1997, TAP has trained artists to design and lead innovative, multidisciplinary arts lessons that support both artistic development and community impact. The program envisions a world where artists and learners together harness the power of creative expression to build a more equitable future. The 2025–2026 cycle will run from October 2025 through May 2026. Participants will attend six full-day core workshops, participate in internships or externships, attend elective trainings and community salons, and receive mentorship from seasoned Teaching Artists and arts administrators. All core workshops will take place in person, with some community events remaining virtual to increase accessibility and connection across the TAP network. Key Program Dates: Application Launch: July 1, 2025 Interviews: August 7th - September 16th Final Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 Opening Celebration: October 17, 2025 Graduation: May 9, 2026 Interviews will be held in August and September, both virtually and in person. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance beginning September 12, 2025. Signature Program Highlights: Core Training: Six full-day Saturday workshops, exploring themes such as community building, power and privilege in learning spaces, curriculum design, and lesson plan presentations. Internships & Externships: Hands-on classroom teaching experience or arts administration placements with partner organizations including DreamYard Project, Arts Ignite, viBe Theater, NDI, Opening Act, and more. Electives & Panels: Required enrichment opportunities focused on career development, healing-centered facilitation, arts entrepreneurship, and NYC job market readiness. Community Salons: Peer-led artistic events that enhance creative exploration and connection within the TAP cohort. Job Fair Access: Trainees gain entry to the annual Arts & Arts Education Job Fair co-hosted with the NYC Arts in Education Roundtable. Accessibility & Affordability: TAP is committed to accessibility and encourages participants with physical disabilities, language needs, caretaker responsibilities, or neurodivergence to reach out for accommodations. The program strives to remain an affordable professional development option: Tuition: $950 (working/emerging artists); $750 (full-time students) Alumni Referral Discount: $100 off for alumni referrals Sponsorships & Scholarships: Available through TAP partners and CWP; scholarships require a brief written request and include a 10-hour service component Three Participation Tracks: TAP accommodates artists at all levels: Emerging Teaching Artists Student Artists Advanced/Working Teaching Artists Each track offers tailored requirements for hours, training focus, and engagement. How to apply: Please review the application and this document, which outlines the requirements of the TAP program, before submitting your completed application: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JCxZL02-JoGHWLV27rwzxwpSlT_3HU1N/view?usp=sharing If you are a Teaching Artist living with a disability and would like to submit a video application, please email TAP@communitywordproject.org with a link to a video answering the questions in this application. Please ensure the subject is "Signature Program Video Application." Video links can be Google Drive links, links from Vimeo, or YouTube. Application Deadline 09/01/2025