Frequently Asked Questions

Artist Directory FAQs

• Do I still need to apply to Showcase to be on the ArtStarts Artist Directory?
  No! New artists are welcome to apply for Showcase but your acceptance on the directory is not contingent on the success of a Showcase application. Please visit our Showcase webpage for more.
• When can I apply?
  There is one application window for the ArtStarts Artist Directory which will typically be from July to October. The deadline for applications this year is October 24 2021.
• Are there any associated costs?
  There is an application fee as well as the costs of listings if your application is successful.
  
  Application fee: We offer a sliding scale of $25 to $75
  
  Listings fees:

  • Classroom Residencies* (up to 3) - $50
  • Performance/Workshop - 1 Listing - $250
  • Performances/Workshops - 2 Listings - $450
  • Performances/Workshops - 3 Listings - $600
  • Performances/Workshops - 4 Listings - $750

  
  *If you do not have a Workshop/Performance you will be listed on the directory as offering Classroom Residencies, not touring schools.
• Why is there a higher listing fee for performances and workshops?
  The differences in listing prices between Workshops/Performances and Classroom Residencies is the amount of work that ArtStarts does for those offerings. Workshops/Performances are booked and invoiced by ArtStarts. Classroom Residencies are not booked or invoiced by ArtStarts. Artists find and organize these residencies on their own. Often the residencies are funded through the Artists in the Classroom Grant which they need to apply for with the school.
• I am an artist; why should I apply to be on the ArtStarts Artist Directory?
  The ArtStarts Artist Directory is a listing of artists who are interested in and ready to work with young people in BC K-12 Schools. If you are interested in expanding your creative practice to schools and want more educators to know how to find you, join the ArtStarts Artist Directory! You can choose what kinds of work you will do in schools: tour the province with a performance, tour the province with a workshop, and/or collaborate with schools to create Classroom Residencies (either with or without funding from the Artists in the Classroom grant).
• What is the selection process for new artists on the directory?
  Once an application has been submitted, it will be peer assessed by an external jury of artists and educators, who will be referencing the application rubric found here. ArtStarts staff will review all applications prior to adjudication and any not meeting the eligibility criteria will not be brought forward to the jury for assessment.
• How is the new ArtStarts Artist Directory different from the old directories (Artists on Tour and Artists in the Classroom)?
  The ArtStarts Artists Directory is a merge of the two directories so that educators can look in one place on the ArtStarts website to find artists to work with. Artists can still choose what kinds of programs they offer in schools; some artists tour performances and do classroom residencies, others tour with a set workshop for 1-5 days at each school, and others only tour performances or only do classroom residencies. The change in the directory will hopefully streamline connecting with artists at ArtStarts and help artists get more work by being seen by everyone who works with ArtStarts.
• What does the directory have to do with the Artists in the Classroom (AIC) grant?
  The directory is a tool for educators to find artists to work with on applying for an AIC grant. Educators can use the directory to learn more about artists' creative practices, background, and interests in schools to find someone to collaborate with! The school and artist then work together to write the grant and plan the project. ArtStarts does not book Classroom Residencies in schools like we do for tours or workshops. The school and artist mutually agree on the dates and work directly to plan the residency.
  
  You can apply for an AIC grant to help pay for a classroom residency but you do not have to! You do not have to work with an artist on the ArtStarts Artist Directory to apply for the AIC grant. Any BC-based professional artist is eligible to be part of an AIC Project.
• I am an artist, do I have to be listed on the ArtStarts Artist Directory to apply for an Artists in the Classroom (AIC) grant?
  No! Any BC-Based professional artist can apply for the AIC grant. The directory is more of a promotional tool for artists to advertise to educators.
• I am an educator; how do I book a performance at my school?
  If you are wanting to book a performance for the 2021/22 school year, you can do so through our online booking request form available on our website.
• I am an educator; how do I book a workshop at my school?
  If you are wanting to book a workshop for the 2021/22 school year, you can do so through our online booking request form available on our website.
• I am an educator; how do I book a classroom residency at my school?
  Classroom residencies are not booked through ArtStarts. If you want to have an artist do a residency at your school, get in touch with the artist directly through the contact info on their artist listing. Once you talk about your idea for the classroom you may want to apply for an AIC grant to help pay for the residency. This is not a requirement, just another resource to help support artists in schools!