Contract Teaching Artist for Teen Exhibitions Program (Creative Leadership Program)

The Institute of Contemporary Art strives to share the pleasures of reflection, inspiration, provocation, and imagination that contemporary art offers through public access to art, artists, and the creative process

Teen arts education is central to the ICA. At the ICA, we believe that robust arts education—including learning by doing—is critical to building future artists, audiences, and engaged citizens, and we aim to create more equitable education for teens.

Teen Exhibitions Program (TEP), is a group of paid teens from the Boston area that work together to plan, curate, and install artwork in the Teen Gallery located at the ICA’s Seaport Studio. As a Teaching Artist for TEP, you will facilitate the organization of two exhibitions a year to amplify teen art and invite teens in Boston and beyond to engage with the artwork. You will work with the teens to imagine the possibilities of what this exhibition space can look like. You will also work with ICA staff to design exhibitions, install artwork, and create events to engage the community with the work.

In addition to the curation of exhibitions and related tasks, teens will plan and facilitate up to 2 events that engage other teens with concepts related to their gallery exhibitions. This is a part-time, contract position consisting of 150 hours from October 2024 – May 2025.

Scope of Work: The Teaching Artist for TEP Contractor shall provide the following services:

• Support the Development of and facilitate curriculum for the School Year 2024-2025 Teen Exhibitions Program creative leadership program for teens
• Correspond with program participants to ensure engagement
• Provide ICA with session reports at conclusion of each program session
• Facilitate Teen Exhibitions Programs sessions, exhibition openings, and other events
• Conduct mid-program check ins with ICA staff and program participants
• Administer post-program survey
• Coordinate with ICA staff to procure necessary materials
• Participate in meetings and post program debrief to share learnings and feedback with staff

Qualified Candidates Must Possess:

• Experience creating spaces with teens that amplify young creatives and center youth voice
• Demonstrated background in working with teens and engaging diverse audiences
• Understanding of creative youth development and the ability to implement positive youth development values within curriculum
• Ability to work collaboratively with young people and facilitate creative technical skills, build confidence & community among the young people, and create a teen-centered space
• Ability to pass a CORI screening is required for this position

Physical Requirements:

• Possess mobility to move about throughout the Studio
• Prolonged periods of standing and/or moving about during events
• Ability to see, listen, and talk for extended periods in person
• Ability to understand printed materials
• Must be able to exchange accurate information with visitors, staff, departments, and vendors

Performance Period and Availability:

The Teaching Artist must be available for all Teen Exhibition programs as follows:

• September 9th, 2024 – May 15, 2025: Tuesdays from 3:30 – 7:30 PM
• September 14th (Creative Youth Leadership Summit), October 17th (Boston Caribbean Fashion Week – Teen Fashion Night Out) December 19th (Ultrafusion Event), February 7th (Gallery Opening), April 18th (Gallery Activation), May 1, 2025 (Spring Showcase Event); Additional dates may be required: Teaching Artist must be available for a program event(s)

The Teaching Artist should also plan to spend approximately 15 additional hours supporting with the development of program curriculum, writing plans for individual sessions, and meeting with ICA staff regarding curriculum development. In total, Teaching Artists should plan to be available for the estimated 135 hours of direct service and 15 hours of curriculum development.

Compensation

This position is a contract, part-time position with a stipend. Please see the section below to submit your proposed flat fee for this project.

To Apply

Interested candidates should send a C.V., cover letter, and proposal that includes example agendas for at least 2 workshops on how you would approach facilitating a series of workshops that lead teens through skills essential to writing wall text and labels for associated art work. This component should show the creative ways you to facilitate this core component to the curriculum.

In addition, please include proposed payment for the scope of services for the estimated 135 hours of direct service & 15 hours of curriculum development in the form of a flat fee. Please email the C.V., cover letter, and proposal to Aric Crowe-Pina, Teen Program Manager at ACrowePina@ICABoston.org by September 27, 2024.