Q: This application looks different this year – Why did you combine the applications for in-school residencies and Creative Aging SU-CASA this year?

Brooklyn Arts Council wanted to make it easier for Teaching Artists to apply for residency opportunities in both our partner schools and older adult centers through one simplified application. We are also seeking to build a roster of versatile teaching artists we can match with multiple residency opportunities across age demographics.

Q: Can I apply for In-School Residencies or Creative Aging: SU-CASA only or do I need apply for both?

You may apply for either In-School Residencies or Creative Aging: SU-CASA and applying for both is not a requirement. Applicant’s versatility will, however, be a factor in our roster selection, and viable candidates applying for both opportunities will be given a measure of priority consideration.

In the application, you’ll select which age demographic you are interested in working with in the core application, then you’ll be asked to answer questions and provide materials specific to opportunities which will be scored and evaluated respective to each opportunity.

Q: Do I need experience working with both populations to be considered? 

Your experience working in K-12 schools or with Older Adults will be a factor in consideration for each respective opportunity. For example, if you have a ton of experience working with K-12 students but not a lot with older adults, that’s ok! Just put your best foot forward in each section of the application.

Working with Older Adults can include volunteering with older adults at libraries, residences, and working closely with aging family members—include interactions like these that show the ability to engage and understand the Creative Aging demographic.

Q: Do I have to live in Brooklyn? Will I be asked for proof of residence?

Yes, this year we are requiring all new Teaching Artist applicants to be residents of or have a practice/studio based in Brooklyn. While we understand that artists and teaching artists frequently work across boroughs, we are requiring that teaching artists live/be based in Brooklyn to both, meet the requirements of our funders and invest in a hyperlocal creative economy by prioritizing teaching artists with a connection to the neighborhoods and geographic communities that we serve.

You will be asked for proof of residence. This can be a copy of a a New York City or State-issued driver’s license or ID card; utility bill (make sure your upload doesn’t require a password); lease or sublease, or tax document with a Brooklyn address.

(If your ID does not reflect your Brooklyn address you can supplement your ID with one of the documents listed above.)

Q: I am a returning teaching artist applicant. Do I need to reapply?

Teaching Artists who participated in in-school residencies in the last year and who have submitted their intent to work form will automatically be placed on the roster this year and do not need to reapply for in-school residencies in alignment with our previous protocols.

ALL teaching artists MUST complete the application for SU-CASA in order to be considered for OAC placements. This is both because our funders require applications to be panel reviewed each year, and because we look to keep our teaching artist pool full of new talent for our partner sites and provide opportunities for new teaching artists. Past participation will be a factor of consideration but does not guarantee selection for our 2026 residencies.

Please note that we are in the process of re-examining and revising the process for returning applicants for 2026-27.

Q: If I apply to be a Teaching Artist, can I still apply for a grant?

Yes! Many of our artists apply and receive both opportunities. Please see here for information about our grant opportunities and application processes. Please note that our teaching artist applications are due earlier on September 28th.

Q: If selected for the Teaching Artist Roster how many residencies can I expect to be offered?

We aim to match our TA’s with 1-3 residencies on average however this will depend on how versatile your skill sets are and what our partner sites are looking for. Due to the uncertainty of our partner site’s needs at the time of application review we cannot guarantee a placement.

Q: Will I be taxed upfront my income as a teaching artist?

Yes, as a temporary part-time W2 employee of BAC you will be taxed on your income at source in alignment with our best understanding of New York State Employment law.

Being considered an employee does, however, make you eligible for worker’s compensation, NY Safe and sick time and all BAC workplace protections.

Q: Will there be other Teaching Artist opportunities with this application, or will I have to apply to them separately?

This application is designed to be your one stop shop for consideration for all TA opportunities in 2026. This means, as we develop new education programs (which we are always doing) you’ll be eligible for consideration. Our selected roster TA’s will receive priority placements, however your application will be kept on file for one year regardless if additional opportunities arise.