The program begins with the Art21 Educators Summer Institute in New York City. Over the course of five days, participants work with Art21 staff, visiting artists, and guest presenters to develop their familiarity with contemporary art and artists. Educators learn new teaching strategies related to contemporary art and interdisciplinary pedagogy. They explore ways to use Art21 films and educational materials in the classroom, consider new documentation practices, and engage in collaborative reflection in support of their continued participation in the program throughout the year.

All participants receive a variety of Art21 education resources and an introduction to a variety of online media resources and strategies for teaching with contemporary art using Art21 films and artists. Participants design and develop curriculum, watch and talk about films, visit museums and galleries, and hear from artists and other educators. Teachers return to their classrooms with a unique unit of study that they have designed to teach during the school year, as well as lesson ideas and resources generated by fellow participants.

Hear from alumni about the program 

The Art21 Educators program continues during the school year incorporating monthly online meetings that build on the momentum of the Summer Institute. Through these meetings, the program introduces participants to new resources and supports continued curriculum planning and teaching during the school year. A private Google Classroom allows participants to share documentation of their current work (video, photography, and writing) and receive feedback from peers and Art21 Education staff to reflect on and enhance their teaching.

If selected to participate in Art21 Educators, you will be paired with a mentor who is an alumni of the Art21 Educators Program for the school year. Your mentor will also attend the Summer Institute, and you will meet with your mentor once a month (both individually and in small groups) from August 2025 through May 2026.

Each year a select number of educators from across the United States are asked to participate. Participants include a diverse group of teachers who represent rural, urban, and suburban demographics, varied school and student populations, and a range of subject areas and grade levels.

Although the program does not require any specific technology experience or video production skills, teachers must have a willingness to learn about and use video and online networking forums with training provided by Art21.

Participants are expected to participate fully in all aspects of the program, including ongoing documentation of their teaching, peer support through online forums, and program evaluation during over the course of the entire programmatic year.

For more information, please watch our Summer Institute film.

Accepted new participants are charged a $475 registration fee to participate in the full year of the program. 

Alumni attending the Summer Institute are charged a $125 program fee to cover the cost of materials.

Participants must also pay for travel and living costs affiliated with attending the Summer Institute in New York City. Accepted participants can request to stay in housing arranged by Art21. Art21 suggests purchasing travel insurance.

Scholarship Opportunities