Teaching Artist Facilitator

About Free Arts Days:

Free Arts Days (FAD) pairs 25-100 elementary-age youth 1:1 with volunteers for an afternoon of art-making and “mini mentoring.” Sponsored by a corporation or individual, each pair rotates through 2-4 themed art projects, exploring various materials while building connections. FAD events take place in community centers, schools, corporate offices or Free Arts.

About Art Parties:

An Art Party is a volunteer-only employee engagement event for 25-100 participants that supports our Free Arts Day program. Volunteers hand-paint bags, prepare art materials, pack art kits, and work on seasonal projects based on program needs. Art Parties are held at corporate offices and the Free Arts office.

About the Position:

Teaching Artist Facilitators (TAF)  will support both Free Arts Days and Art Parties, reporting to the Director of Free Arts Day. Responsibilities include event preparation, day-of logistics, and fostering positive engagement with volunteers during Art Parties and between mentors and youth at FADs. Facilitators will uphold Free Arts NYC’s philosophy and serve as ambassadors for the organization at all events.

Responsibilities Include: 

For Art Parties

• Set up, break down and restore event space to original form. 
• Set up and deliver video/powerpoint/music presentation as needed.
• Introduce Free Arts and lead orientation with provided language
• Greet and direct volunteers throughout event 

For Free Arts Day

• Assist with set up, and break down and restore event space to original form
• Greet volunteers and youth at check in
• Oversee art activities, distribute supplies, facilitate youth-volunteer engagement, offer guidance, and replenish materials.
• Assist with serving lunch
• Lead youth orientation at introduction 
• Lead classrooms during event as needed

Availability Requirements

• Flexible hours, weekdays, weekends and evenings 
• 3 to 6 hours per event
• Facilitators offered at least 2-5 event opportunities per month in the spring and fall; and 10-20 event opportunities during the summer months.
• Facilitators are required to accept at least 1/2 of offers for the year. 
• Dates and times change each week/month with the busiest times in July, August and December. 

Requirements for this position

• Assertive and confident public speakers who can lead large groups of both adults and youth in art-making activities
• Comfortable coaching and directing adults to work with youth 
• Clear and open communicators
• Patient and attentive to participants (or, good client-service skills)
• An adept multitasker 

In addition, we prefer candidates to have

• BA/BFA or be a current graduate student in Art Education, Studio/Fine Arts, Social Work, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience facilitating visual arts programs for youth in underserved communities – in schools, community center and/or social service agency settings – that includes:
• Team teaching/collaborative teaching
• Working with a wide variety of art materials and techniques
• Exceptional classroom management skills
• An asset-based approach to youth development
• A genuine passion for engaging youth via the arts
• Experience with special needs youth and/or in inclusion settings

Please address resume and cover letter to Jen May ([email protected]) with the subject Teaching Artist Facilitator Position.