The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is seeking local artists to apply for a new program to train them as instructors.
The Newport-based nonprofit said the goal was to use tools and training to tap into local talent to “cultivate a team of teaching artists poised and qualified to share their unique skills, methods, and creative insights through guided arts workshops and classes.”
“Our goal is to launch an in-depth, high-quality professional development series to help bridge the gap between practicing one’s art form and teaching that art form to others in a meaningful way,” said OCCA executive director Jason Holland.
The program includes 160 hours arts instruction. Selected artists will receive a stipend for the training, which will include both in-person and remote sessions between early March and mid-June.
“As we know, practicing an artform and teaching that artform are two very different skill sets,” said Chasse Davidson, director of Newport Visual Arts Center. “Selected artists need only arrive with a passion for their art, and a sincere desire to share it with others.”
The OCCA said teaching program will provide focused, specialized instruction that covers lesson planning, time and classroom management, communication styles, teaching methods, and workshop preparation.
In its announcement, the OCCA said it hopes to attract applicants from a wide variety of disciplines, including visual artists, theater artists, literary artists, musicians, craftspeople, and others.
Applications are on the organization’s website and due no later than Feb. 10. The OCCA will hold two information sessions – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 or 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Newport Performing Arts Center.
