ARTISTS' PROFESSIONAL TOOLBOX ::
Teaching Artists: Tips on Starting a Youth Arts Program

Manuel R. Cawaling has been working as a professional artist in the Northwest region for the last 15 years. Manuel has created education programs for Pilgrim Center for the Arts, Northwest Asian American Theatre, Seattle Children's Museum, Seattle Center, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Rainier Valley Youth Theatre, Wing Luke Asian Museum, Seattle Housing Authority and Youth Theatre Northwest.

Are you thinking about starting a youth arts program but aren't sure how to begin? Developing a new program can appear overwhelming, but these tips will help you get started.

Q: I'm an experienced artist, but don't have much teaching experience with youth. How can I gain more experience as a teacher?
A: Contact an artist who works with youth. You can gain experience by offering to observe, volunteer, or be a paid assistant. This will present the working dynamics of a school environment or a neighborhood site. Check public and private funder Web sites for a list of awarded youth projects you can connect with.

Q: Where do I recruit youth to work with?
A: Print promotional materials and make presentations to schools, libraries, churches, community centers, youth service agencies or other neighborhood/city 'hubs' for youth. Look around your neighborhood. Partner with a neighborhood non-profit organization that already has a captive young audience - an area school, community center, Boys and Girls Club, library or after-school program. Since many of these organizations are facing tighter budgets, they will probably appreciate the opportunity to enrich their program through an arts- based partnership. Also, engaging with your community will inevitably result in additional resources down the road. If you've identified a potential partner, find other artists or companies that have partnered with them and get references. How supportive was the staff? What resources can they offer?

Q: How do I develop a project scope and curriculum?
A: Developing a project scope requires on-going discussion with your partner. Be creative. Explore ways their mission intersects with your artistic goals. You want the partner to help set the curriculum because you need them to invest in the program and advocate for it within their organization. Approach the project as a partnership at all times. Clarify what both you and your partner will offer to the project, like time, staff, materials, etc. Each partner brings their own resources. What you bring is an expertise in your arts field. When developing curriculum, put yourselves in the mind-set of youth without experience in this art form. Consider terminology, tools, skills/practice and steps that happen sequentially. [Editor's note: View sample residency plans at www.seattleschools.org/schools/hamilton/iac/.]

Q: How do I finalize a partnership?
A: Signing a Memorandum of Understanding may help clarify each partner's role, compensation, and a timeline. Identify in writing what the goals and expectations are for each partner. This creates a sense of commitment.

Q: How do I pay for it?
A: Diversify your income as much as possible. Negotiate what the partner may be able to provide. Can they supply materials or class space or help pay for project staff? Also, look around for potential sponsors. Many corporations and foundations specifically fund youth and outreach programs and are looking for new grantees. Conduct research online or visit Seattle's downtown library. They have a whole development section with information on local and national funders. Again, look around your neighborhood. Are there local businesses that may be willing to donate? You may also want to consider charging tuition. Or, if there is a final showcase of the student's work, sell concessions or collect donations from those who attend. In today's tough economic times, it's important to diversify your income and not just rely on grants.

Reminder: Families and youth begin their after-school or summer activity search early.