The program begins with the Summer Institute in New York City. Over the course of six 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 an assortment of Art21 physical materials 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.

Sessions include:

• Contemporary art in contemporary classrooms
• Exploring contemporary questions
• Interdisciplinary perspectives and contemporary art
• Curating the classroom
• Technology tutorials and filming workshops
• Studio visits and guest presenters. Participating artists in past years have included: Laylah Ali, Janine Antoni, Mark Dion, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Oliver Herring, Mary Mattingly, Allan McCollum, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Arlene Shechet, Shahzia Sikander, Jessica Stockholder, and Fred Wilson.

Read a summary of previous Summer Institutes and comments from participating educators on the Art21 Magazine: Transformations and Beginnings: On Art21 Educators’ 2016 Summer Institute (August 19, 2016) Reflecting on the Art21 Educators Summer Institute (July 11, 2012)

Art21 Educators continues during the school year through 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. Online platforms allow 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 2019 through May 2020.

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.

Accepted participants are charged a $475 registration fee to participate in the full year of the program. This fee includes participation in the Summer Institute, webinar forums and social networking applications presented throughout the year.

Scholarship Opportunities 

Accepted educators are able to receive a total of 6 graduate credits from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design for participation in the full year of the program. Participants are responsible for paying the additional cost for the credits. Once accepted to the program, program participants will receive more information and a registration form.  If educators are able to get credit through their local school system, Art21 will supply any necessary paperwork or further information to help the educator.