What is AiR?
Detail of a mural at Alameda Elementary in Ontario, OR. Residency with Carol Poppenga.
ArtsEast’s residency program is the regional spin-off of a state model, Artists in the Schools, founded by the Oregon Arts Commission in 1972. (This program was modeled after a National Endowment for the Arts program called Poets in the Schools.)
The AiR program provides supplementary arts services throughout the state by placing professional artists in schools and community facilities. The artists work with students, teachers, and citizens to enhance existing local arts programs. Residencies are offered in most art disciplines including: visual and literary arts, music, theatre and dance. Activities may include a demonstration, workshop (including teacher seminars or in-service workshops), performance, exhibit, or a collaboration with students and/or citizens on special projects, depending upon the particular skills and preferences of the artist and school interests.
Our rostered artists are required to develop sequential and developmentally appropriate arts lessons based on Oregon Department of Education’s Oregon Arts Content Standards.
The AiR Handbook outlines guidelines for planning a successful residency. The AiR Handbook also covers scheduling and the responsibilities of your On-Site Coordinator. Download a PDF of the AiR Handbook.
A Note on Teacher Involvement
The visiting Artist is a guest in the classroom, therefore a certified teacher must be present at all times to maintain a positive learning environment.
Active teacher participation is highly encouraged, as a working partnership between the Artist and Teacher enhances the learning environment and can help further the goals of the classroom.
