For Immediate Release
November 3, 2015
Contact: Steve Wilcox
602-771-6536
[email protected]
Arts Commission Now Accepting Applications for Creative Aging-Focused Teaching Artist Institute
Arizona Commission on the Arts issues call for teaching artists to participate in comprehensive training program
Phoenix (November 3, 2015): The Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona, has issued a call for teaching artists to apply for their new AZ Creative Aging Teaching Artist Institute. Up to ten applicants will be selected to participate in the pilot year of the comprehensive five-month training program.
Inspired by Minnesota’s ArtSage and other national models, the Teaching Artist Institute has been developed around the philosophies of person-centered care, a process-based approach, and cultural responsiveness. The Institute will introduce teaching artists to the variety of settings, programs, and partners that make up the creative aging field, and provide skills-building activities for participants to attain the specialized knowledge needed to work successfully with older adults.
“The AZ Creative Aging Teaching Artist Institute will be highly experiential, allowing participants to observe and practice activities and processes,” reported Alex Nelson, the Arts Commission’s Director of Arts Learning. “Participants will receive training facilitated by master teaching artists, work with a mentor throughout the course of the Institute, and engage in applied learning through guided, on-site teaching opportunities.”
Thanks to the generous support of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, which awarded a $225,000 grant to the Arizona Commission on the Arts earlier this year to build a creative aging infrastructure to enhance quality of life for older Arizonans, there is no fee to participate in the pilot year of the AZ Creative Aging Teaching Artist Institute.
To learn more about AZ Creative Aging and the Teaching Artist Institute, visit www.azarts.gov/azcreativeaging, or contact AZ Creative Aging Coordinator Harper Piver at (602) 771-6523 or [email protected].
About AZ Creative Aging
AZ Creative Aging is an ambitious and comprehensive initiative of the Arizona Commission on the Arts that will build a creative aging infrastructure to enhance quality of life for older Arizonans. With funding from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, AZ Creative Aging will provide training to teaching artists, arts organization and aging/healthcare service providers, support the development of high-quality arts programs for older adults and embed creative aging knowledge and best practices in the community.
About the Arizona Commission on the Arts
One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is a 49-year-old agency of the State of Arizona and a leading force in the creative and professional development of Arizona’s arts sector. Through robust programs, research initiatives and strategic grantmaking, the Arts Commission catalyzes arts-based partnerships that strengthen Arizona communities through the arts.
For more information about the grants, services and programs of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, visit www.azarts.gov.
We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.
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To request this or any other agency publication in an alternative format, contact the Arts Commission offices at (602) 771-6502. Images available upon request.
