At 1001 Colors, professional artists play a vital role in shaping public art, expanding access to creative careers, and building pathways for emerging talent.
These artist opportunities are designed for working artists who want to apply their skills in real project environments while contributing to the growth of others and the strength of the creative ecosystem.
Whether you thrive in hands‑on mentorship, lead creative vision and production, or want time and space to deepen your own practice while guiding emerging artists, 1001 Colors offers professional roles that value artistic excellence, collaboration, and shared impact.
Lead Teaching Artists
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, execution, and team coordination.
Lead Teaching Artists partner closely with 1001 Colors staff, supervise Teaching Artists, and ensure projects remain on track creatively, logistically, and professionally. This role is ideal for confident decision‑makers who are comfortable guiding both people and process in dynamic production environments.
Lead Teaching Artists typically:
- Lead creative vision and artistic execution for projects
- Coordinate production plans, timelines, and budgets with staff
- Supervise and support Teaching Artists
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to emerging artists
- Ensure a safe, organized, and productive work environment
Lead Teaching Artist roles are paid, seasonal positions offered during the summer project cycle.
Teaching Artists
Teaching Artists are practicing artists who work directly with Apprentice and Studio Artists during project production. This role focuses on day‑to‑day mentorship, technical instruction, and supporting a positive, inclusive team environment on active public art projects.
Teaching Artists collaborate closely with Lead Teaching Artists, reinforcing artistic plans and helping guide young artists through hands‑on production. This role is well suited for artists who enjoy teaching through practice and want to focus on mentorship rather than overseeing overall project management.
Teaching Artists typically:
- Support mural and public art production through hands‑on instruction
- Mentor emerging artists during daily project work
- Help maintain production plans and adapt to on‑site challenges
- Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment
Teaching Artist roles are paid, seasonal positions taking place during the summer project cycle.
Artists‑in‑Residence
The Artist‑in‑Residence Program offers practicing artists time, space, and support to develop meaningful creative work while playing a central leadership role within the 1001 Colors artist ecosystem.
Artists in Residence advance their own practice while serving as the lead mentor for a Gallery Fellowship cohort, guiding emerging artists ages 16 to 24 through artistic growth, professional development, and exhibition preparation. The residency is built around exchange, collaboration, and shared investment in creative futures.
Residencies balance independent studio practice with structured mentorship and community‑facing engagement, allowing artists to deepen their work while contributing meaningfully to others.
Artists in Residence typically:
- Develop original creative work during the residency period
- Lead and mentor a Gallery Fellowship cohort
- Facilitate discussions, critiques, and working sessions
- Support Fellows as they prepare for exhibition and public engagement
- Share professional insight into sustainable creative practice
Support for Artists in Residence may include stipends, studio space, materials or production support, and opportunities to exhibit or share work.
Commitment to Artists
Across all professional opportunities, 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.
We value artists’ time, expertise, and lived experience, and we design our roles to support meaningful creative growth, professional contribution, and long‑term impact.
Interested in Working With Us?
Professional artist opportunities are posted throughout the year and vary by role and project cycle. When applications are open, details are shared on our website and through our mailing list.
We invite artists who believe in collective creation, artistic excellence, and the power of mentorship to stay connected and explore upcoming opportunities.
Explore
Artist-in-Residence
Deepen your practice. Lead emerging artists. Create with community and purpose.
Teaching Artists
Teaching Artists are essential collaborators in creating public art and expanding access to creative careers for young people.
Lead Teaching Artist
Lead Teaching Artists are essential collaborators in creating public art and expanding access to creative careers for young people.
