Artists in the Classroom Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

• What is the Artists in the Classroom Directory?
  The Artists in the Classroom Directory (AICD) provides a listing of practicing professional artists interested in working on projects with young people in a classroom setting.
• Who uses this directory?
  The Artists in the Classroom Directory is a useful resource for educators, arts/community presenters, cultural programmers etc. interested in engaging artists with this range of experience. It is also a valuable self-promotion tool for artists looking for these types of opportunities.
• How does it work?
  The directory can be searched by the artist's name, the discipline they work in, the languages they speak or by the region they live and work in.

Information for Educators

• I've found an artist that I'm interested in working with. What is the next step?
  Educators can contact artists directly through the contact information provided on their website. If contact information is not provided, email Laura Aliaga, Grants Manager, at [email protected] and she'll be able to put you in touch with the artist.
• Should ArtStarts be involved in the process of communicating or contracting these artists?
  ArtStarts does not need to be involved with any future communication or negotiation between the artist and the school. Additionally, ArtStarts is not responsible for any issues that may arise between the artist and the school.
• There are not many artists listed in my region. What can I do?
  We recommend contacting the Arts Council in your area for help. If you have worked with an artist in your classroom who you think would be a good candidate for the Directory, have them get in touch with us. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive list of artists working in classrooms in every region of the province.
• What can I do if I am unhappy with the artist I have chosen to work with?
  If you are unhappy with the artist's performance on a recently completed project it is important to document the reasons why their work was unsatisfactory. Please communicate this information to both ArtStarts and the artist involved. Once we have received a formal letter detailing the circumstances this will be kept on file. ArtStarts is committed to maintaining the professional quality of this directory, as such, if an artist receives two separate complaints, their listing will be removed from the Artists in the Classroom Directory.

Information for Artists

• Who can apply? What are the benefits of joining the Artists in the Classroom Directory? How much does it cost? How do I apply?
  Answers to these questions can be found in the Artists in the Classroom Directory Guidelines. There is one intake per year; the deadline to apply is listed at the bottom of this page.
• What is the definition of a professional artist?
  A professional artist is defined as someone who has specialized training in the arts (not necessarily in academic institutions); is recognized as a professional by his or her peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition); is committed to devoting more time to his or her artistic activity, if financially possible; and has a history of public presentation.
• How is this directory different from the Artists on Tour Directory?
  The Artists on Tour Directory is different is several ways:
  

  • The Artists on Tour Directory is for performing artists who have a show/performance that they would like to present to audiences in schools;
  • In order to join the Artists on Tour Directory, artists must applying to present at the annual ArtStarts Showcase; and
  • Members of the Artists on Tour Directory make use of ArtStarts' Booking and Touring service, among other things.