Teaching Artists

At 1001 Colors, 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.

Whether you are an artist who thrives in hands-on mentorship or one who is ready to guide teams and project vision, there is a role for you within our artist leadership model.

Teaching Artists are practicing artists who work directly with Apprentice and Studio Artists during project production. This role focuses on day-to-day mentorship, artistic instruction, and supporting a positive team environment.

Teaching Artist Responsibilities

• Collaborate and communicate with the Lead Teaching Artist to maintain the production plan and timeline. Troubleshoot challenges and adapt plans as needed.
• Reinforce the plan/approach for the execution of the project's artistic design as set by the Lead Teaching Artist.
• Provide hands on technical artistic instruction for the project to the Apprentices.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and productive work environment.

This role is ideal for artists who enjoy teaching through practice and want to focus on mentorship rather than overall project management.

How Teaching Artists and Lead Teaching Artists Work Together

Teaching Artists report to Lead Teaching Artists and are part of the project’s Teaching Staff, collaborating 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.