Digital Learning Lab

The Digital Learning Lab is free, taking place at a variety of time slots to accommodate as many artists as possible who are now working from home. We’ve also condensed the program to accommodate the reality of digital fatigue.

The Digital Learning Lab will also include:

• A digital opportunity to watch our in-house facilitators in action at ArtStarts Explores
• A Q&A with Maggie Milne Martens, creator of the Artist in Residence in the Studios (AIRS) program in partnership with the Vancouver School Board
• The opportunity to connect with artists who have experience with residencies through the AIRS program, as well as artists who have successfully received Artists in the Classroom grants through ArtStarts

In order to keep online attendance manageable and facilitate deeper learning, we are asking artists to fill out a short application form for the Digital Learning Lab. Spots in the Learning Lab will be allotted based on your ability to commit to the majority of sessions and demonstrated interest in working with young people specifically in the school system.

This is not a competitive juried process! We will simply ask you a few questions to make sure this program is the right fit for you and that you’ll have a satisfying online learning experience among peers. Some previous experience working with children and youth is considered a benefit, but is not essential. Emerging and professional artists from across the province of BC are welcome to apply. You will not be required to prepare a portfolio.

To apply, fill out this short form by May 4, 2020. The Digital Learning Lab will take place from May 11 to the 23. You’ll know if you’ve been accepted into the program by May 6.

What it’s not:

The Learning Lab will not cover the following topics:

• How to teach fine arts techniques
• Basic group facilitation skills
• Early childhood & adolescent development
• Grading, discipline, and other skills specific to the teaching profession

We recommend that you have a basic comfort level with techniques in your own art practice, and some confidence with group facilitation, prior to applying for the Lab.

Completing the ArtStarts Learning Lab does not:

• guarantee you a position working in the school system as an artist
• guarantee that you will receive one of our Artists in the Classroom grants, or a residency through the AIRS program - but it helps!

Our hope is that through the completion of the Lab you’ll be inspired to pursue work in arts education on a path that is right for you.

Tuesday, May 12, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Funding, Art, & Schools with Lily Cryan
Join Program Coordinator Lily Cryan for a guided introduction to how ArtStarts can support you as an artist seeking to work (or already working) in schools. Interested in working in the school system but not sure where to start? Lily Cryan will walk you through our funding opportunities that can support you collaborating with teachers and inspiring young learners across the province! Together we’ll explore the Artists in the Classroom grant and the Creative Spark Vancouver grant, which have both been revised to accommodate adjustments for COVID-19.

Thursday, May 14, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
An Artist’s Introduction to the BC Curriculum - Leah Horlick
Did you know that teachers in BC are working with a curriculum that was revised in the past few years? This workshop will introduce you to the variety of opportunities for artists embedded in the provincial curriculum. We’ll also explore inquiry-based learning, the First Peoples Principles of Learning, and arts integration. The stronger the connections between your art practice and the curriculum, the more likely your projects are to receive funding from ArtStarts, so don’t miss this workshop if you’re hoping to apply for our Artists in the Classroom grant!

Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. - noon Artist in Action: Kay Slater at ArtStarts Explores
Observe visual artist Kay Slater as they facilitate Explores, a beloved community program that encourages families and young people to develop their creativity by focusing on process over product! This is a great opportunity for you to get inspiration for sample activities and watch how we’ve adapted our hands-on, in-person programming to be delivered digitally.

Tuesday, May 19th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Ask A Teacher! Your Questions on Working in the Classroom (Teacher TBD)
Concerned about classroom management? Have questions about the day-to-day reality of life as a teacher, especially after the suspension of in-person classes? Bring your curiosity to this one-hour session with a teacher and champion of arts integration!

Thursday, May 21, 1 p.m. - 2:30  p.m.
Panel: What’s it like to be an Artist in the Classroom? with Maggie Milne Martens and Yunuen Perez-Verrti
Local arts champion Maggie Milne Martens has collaborated with Emily Carr University of Art & Design, the Vancouver School Board, and other partners to transform locked and unused art rooms in schools across Vancouver into working studios through the AIRS program. Yunuen Perez-Verrti is a filmmaker and member of ArtStarts’ Artist in the Classroom Directory; she has successfully received grants through ArtStarts, as well as completed residencies through Maggie’s AIRS program.

Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m. - noon
Artist in Action: Kay Slater at ArtStarts Explores
One more chance to observe visual artist Kay Slater as they facilitate Explores! Artstarts Explores is a beloved community program that encourages families and young people to develop their creativity by focusing on process over product. There are only three rules at Explores, and the first rule is that there are no expectations!