Lead Teaching Artist

At 1001 Colors, Lead Teaching Artists are essential collaborators in creating public art and expanding access to creative careers for young people.

These paid, seasonal roles are designed for working artists who want to share their skills, support emerging creatives, and contribute to community centered public art projects.

Lead Teaching Artists serve as the primary artistic and leadership leads for assigned projects. In addition to working directly with youth artists, they guide overall project vision, coordination, and team support.

Lead Teaching Artists partner closely with 1001 Colors staff and supervise Teaching Artists, ensuring projects move forward smoothly while supporting both artistic quality and participant growth.

Teaching Artist Responsibilities

• Collaborate and communicate with the Creative Project Manager to maintain the production plan, timeline, and budget. Troubleshoot challenges and adapt plans as needed.
• Lead the development and execution of the project's weekly plans to support the artistic outcome and the career development of Apprentices.
• Lead the plan/approach for the execution of the project's artistic design.
• Lead hands on technical artistic instruction for the project to the Teaching Artist(s) and Apprentices.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment.

This role is ideal for artists who are confident decision-makers and comfortable guiding both people and artistic process.

How Lead Teaching Artists and Teaching Artists Work Together

Lead Teaching Artists and Teaching Artists collaborate closely throughout each project.

Lead Teaching Artists set the overall direction, coordinate logistics, and support the full team. Teaching Artists focus on daily mentorship, skill building, and hands on production with youth artists.

Together, they create an environment where emerging artists feel supported, challenged, and valued, and where creative work can thrive.

Our Artist Commitment

1001 Colors is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable creative workplace. We strive to ensure artists of all backgrounds feel respected, supported, and empowered to bring their full selves to the work.

Interested in Applying?

Eligibility, Commitment, Schedule, and Pay

• Eligibility: Must be 22+ years old at start of employment. Strong artistic skills and proven ability to lead and mentor young people is required.
• Commitment: 25–35 hours per week, May – July (9.5 weeks)
• Typical schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 8:00am–4:00pm
• Hourly wage: $24.37-$34.72 per hour

Schedule may vary due to weather or project needs, especially for outdoor projects.

The application period for 2026 Teaching Staff Employment has passed. Applications for 2027 will be posted by late 2026.