Overview of Residency Program
Imagine your students learning about jazz from a Grammy nominated singer, or painting from a nationally exhibited watercolorist. The Allentown Art Museum (AAM) can help you make it happen through the Arts in Education artist residency funding program supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA).

What is an artist residency?
Residencies are substantial periods of time in which one or more visual, performing, or literary artists works intensively with teachers and groups of students on one or more long-term projects. During this time, students exercise creative control over their work. The artist's role in such work is that of mentor, facilitator, and technical advisor on important artistic concepts and skills.

How long do residencies last?
The minimum length of a residency is ten days with an individual artist or five days with a company or ensemble.

What is the Directory of Pennsylvania Artists in Education?
The Directory is the PCA's list of artists who are approved to conduct PCA funded residencies. To insure the highest quality residencies, artists go through a rigorous application process to be included in the Directory. Artists not in the Directory cannot conduct residencies funded by the PCA. A listing of Directory artists from the region can be found in the "Artist Directory" section of this site.

What are the costs?
The PCA, through a matching grant award, can fund up to 50% of artist's fees (individual artists are paid a minimum of $185 a day), per diem expenses, and travel expenses for artists traveling more than 50 miles one way. Schools are responsible for the other 50% of these fees and expenses. Supplies for students and any supplies needed to create artwork that will remain within the school or with the students is the responsibility of the school. PTA/PTO, booster organizations, or private or business contributions are some ways in which schools cover their half of residency costs.

Who is eligible for PCA funding for artist residencies?
All public and private schools and non-profit organizations in Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, and Southern Pike counties are eligible to apply for funding.

What is the role of the AAM concerning artist residencies?
As an Arts in Education Partner with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the responsibilities of AAM include:

• Creating and posting residency information and artist directory information
• Writing the multi-residency grant request for Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe and Southeastern Pike Counties and submitting it to the PA Council on the Arts
• Assisting in the planning of residencies
• Observing each residency
• Recruiting artists for AAM's regional directory
• Coordinating all residency paperwork
• Organizing professional opportunities for teachers and artists
• Reporting residency information to the PA Council on the Arts on a yearly basis

How can I host an artist residency at my school or community organization?
Please refer to the "How to Host Your Own Artist Residency" planning sheet.

If you need help planning your residency or if you have additional questions, please contact AAM's AIE Manager at 610-432-4333 ext. 53 or aie@allentownartmuseum.org.