Since 1992, Perkins Center has been a provider of In-School Arts Residencies. The A.R.T.S (Artists Reaching the Students) program places professional artists in local schools for multi-day, arts-based experiences. Individually designed artist-led residencies help students build visual skills, coordination, develop deliberate habits of mind, teach problem-solving strategies, and encourage communication among students. Contact Perkins Director of Education for more information about bringing a Teaching Artist program to you school.

• Inquire about an In-School Program for your school
• Apply to be a Perkins Teaching Artist

What’s an ARTS Residency?

• The ARTS (Arts Reaching the Students) in-school residency program places professional artists in local schools for residencies ranging in length from 2 to 25 days. Individually designed projects help schools support social, emotional, and academic growth through hands-on artmaking. While programs are geared to serve core groups of 10-60 students, Perkins works with each school to coordinate additional opportunities for other students, staff, families, volunteers, or community members to participate.

What kinds of ARTS Residencies does Perkins offer?

• Themes incorporated into residencies have included cultural diversity, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and individual school themes related to character values and year-long study areas like ELA, Mathematics, Social Studies, History, and Science. Past Perkins Center ARTS programs have introduced students to a variety of media including:

Dance & Movement

Digital Media

Drumming

Fiber Arts

Film & Photography

Folk Artistry

Mosaics

Music Composition

Mural Arts

Painting

Papermaking

Sculpture

Storytelling

Theater & Performance

What is a Teaching Artist?

• Teaching Artists work closely with the school’s art and classroom teachers to incorporate the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, 21st Century Skills and the National Arts Standards into the learning process. Through hands-on artmaking, Teaching Artists can help schools achieve their objectives in Arts Integration, STEAM, Social-Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and Character Value practices.

Who can apply for or request an ARTS Residency and how?

• Perkins ARTS Residency Programs are customized for K-12 learners and teachers in New Jersey based public, private, and charter schools throughout middle and southern New Jersey. School Administrators, Educators, Guidance Counselors, and Parent Groups are encouraged to inquire about program opportunities by filling out an online application. Perkins will formally contact the school representative to discuss potential projects, length of residency, program specifics, and funding resources.

What are some other schools Perkins has worked with in the past?

Beck Middle School, Bell Oaks School, Bret Harte Elementary, Brookfield Academy, Cherry Hill Alternative HS, Clyde s. Jennings Elementary, Countryside Elementary, Cranberry Pines Elementary, Ethel T. Burke Elementary, Haddon Heights HS, Holy Name School, Indian Mills Elementary, John Hydock Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Lawnside School, LEAP Academy, Moorestown UES, Oceangate School, Osage Elementary, Roberts Elementary, Roebling, Sacred Heart School, Shalick H.S., St. Joseph’s Pro Cathedral School, Taunton Forge Elementary, William Allen Elementary, Willingboro HS

What does the planning process look like?

• Once Perkins has obtained information from the school about the objective and theme, Teaching Artists will be contacted and a planning meeting between the school admins, coordinating classroom teacher, artist, and Perkins program manager will be scheduled. As a group, we will determine the schedule, visit the room or space to be used, discuss material/ supply needs, classroom support, and any other details pertaining to the installation, performance, and/or culminating event.

Does Perkins offer Professional Development for Educators?

• In addition to ARTS Programs for students, Perkins Center facilitates artist-led Professional Development/In-Service programs for educators. The in-service program is customized and designed with the Curriculum Supervisor and can be adapted across grade levels.

Perkins Center’s ARTS Residency Program is made possible through support by New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and The Holman Foundation.