In Economic Hard Times, Artists Flock To Job Panel

In the face of a tough job environment and a declining art market, New York City writers, performers, and artists are searching for arts-related work that will help pay the rent on their studio---or studio apartment. Part-time employment teaching the arts in NYC public schools is an increasingly popular option for artists who want to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Registration filled up within days for an annual job panel on arts education, sponsored by Community-Word Project. "We've never had a response like this," said Community-Word Project Program Director Keith Kaminski. ‘We had to move to a larger space because we had as many people on the waiting list as were registered." Community-Word Project Executive Director Michele Kotler attributes the unprecedented turn-out to an increased interest in public service. "Art is about reaching out to others. When artists find out that they can use their creative skills to give back to their city, they're eager to learn more."

The Seventh Annual Arts Education Job Panel will be held on Thursday, May 14, 6:00-8:30 PM, at the Scholastic Building, 557 Broadway, 2nd Floor Education Resource Center, New York City. At this event, artists will learn how they can work with children, earn income, and continue to pursue their own art.

With registration opened up to accommodate a larger audience, Community-Word Project expects over 150 artists, writers, poets, dancers, musicians and actors to attend the event to learn about work opportunities as "Teaching Artists," using their creative talents to inspire New York City students to discover their own talents and ability to communicate through the arts.

Community-Word Project is an art education non-profit founded by Ms. Kotler, a poet herself, that places Teaching Artists in underserved public schools. The Arts Education Job Panel will include representatives from Community-Word Project and from other leading NYC arts organizations: Brooklyn Arts Council, New York Foundation for the Arts, Studio in a School, Teachers & Writers Collaborative, Urban Arts Partnerships, Wingspan Arts, and Young Audiences.

Attendees will also learn about Community-Word Project's Teaching Artist Training and Internship Program, a 25-week program that combines seminars on teaching the arts in New York City public schools with classroom internships.

For more information about the Job Fair Panel or Community-Word Project, please visit our website: http://www.communitywordproject.org/.