School Residency Coordination

We connect schools with exceptional teaching artists to create transformative, lasting arts experiences for students.

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Residency Showcase

Success stories from our network of transformative arts residencies

Music Transforms Learning at Roosevelt Elementary
music

Music Transforms Learning at Roosevelt Elementary

Roosevelt Elementary School
Phoenix, AZ
12-week residency

In a Title I school where 87% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, a comprehensive music residency brought transformation beyond test scores. Teaching artists worked alongside classroom teachers to integrate rhythm, melody, and songwriting into core curriculum areas. Students who had never touched an instrument discovered hidden talents, and shy learners found their voices through group performances. The residency culminated in a community showcase where families filled the cafeteria to celebrate student-created songs about fractions, Arizona history, and personal dreams. Teachers reported improved classroom engagement, stronger peer collaboration, and increased student confidence that extended far beyond music class.

285 students
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Visual Arts Spark Cross-Cultural Understanding at Mesa Middle School
visual-arts

Visual Arts Spark Cross-Cultural Understanding at Mesa Middle School

Mesa Middle School
Mesa, AZ
8-week project-based residency

At a school where students speak 17 different home languages, a visual arts residency became a powerful bridge across cultural divides. Teaching artists guided 6th through 8th graders in creating large-scale murals that celebrated their diverse heritages while exploring common themes of identity, belonging, and community. Students researched cultural art traditions from their families' countries of origin, interviewed elders about migration stories, and collaborated on designs that wove together symbols and stories from around the globe. The three permanent murals now installed in the school's main hallways serve as daily reminders that diversity strengthens community. Parent involvement increased dramatically as families contributed stories, attended workshops, and celebrated at the unveiling ceremony attended by over 300 community members.

412 students
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Theater Residency Builds Confidence and Skills at Catalina High School
theater

Theater Residency Builds Confidence and Skills at Catalina High School

Catalina High School
Tucson, AZ
Full semester (18 weeks)

For students in special education and English Language Learner programs, a theater residency became a transformative space for building communication skills, confidence, and community. Teaching artists adapted professional theater practices to meet diverse learning needs, using drama exercises to strengthen public speaking, collaborative storytelling to build English language skills, and improvisation to develop quick thinking and self-advocacy. Students wrote, rehearsed, and performed original scenes about their experiences navigating high school, code-switching between cultures, and advocating for themselves and peers. The final showcase, performed for the entire student body and community, demonstrated that students often labeled as 'struggling' could captivate audiences and lead with creativity. Multiple colleges and employers in attendance offered students opportunities they hadn't previously imagined possible.

156 students
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Build Your Own Success Story

Our residency coordination services handle the complex logistics so you can focus on what matters: transformative student experiences.

Art Forms We Support

Visual Arts
Music
Theater & Drama
Dance & Movement
Media Arts
Literary Arts

Our Coordination Process

1

Discovery Consultation

We learn about your school's goals, student population, budget, and scheduling needs.

2

Artist Matching

We identify and vet teaching artists whose expertise and style align with your vision.

3

Program Design

We collaborate on curriculum, timeline, and assessment strategies tailored to your students.

4

Logistics Coordination

We handle contracts, scheduling, materials procurement, and communication.

5

Implementation Support

We provide ongoing support, check-ins, and troubleshooting throughout the residency.

6

Celebration & Evaluation

We help plan culminating events and provide comprehensive program evaluation.

What's Included

  • Teaching artist vetting and matching
  • Contract and agreement preparation
  • Curriculum alignment consultation
  • Scheduling and logistics coordination
  • Materials and supply planning
  • Ongoing program monitoring
  • Culminating event planning
  • Program evaluation and reporting

Flexible Residency Options

Short-Term (1-4 weeks)

Intensive workshops, assembly programs, or focused projects

Mid-Length (6-10 weeks)

Unit-based programs with depth and culminating events

Semester/Year-Long

Embedded partnerships for lasting transformation

Custom Programs

Designed around your specific needs and goals

Ready to Bring Arts Residencies to Your School?

Let's discuss how we can design a residency program that meets your school's unique needs, budget, and goals.

Inquire About ServicesCall (602) 767-ARTS

Our Commitment to Schools

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School-Centered Design

Every residency is customized to fit your school's unique needs, schedule, and student population

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Vetted Teaching Artists

We match schools with professionally trained artists experienced in educational settings

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Full Coordination

We handle scheduling, logistics, curriculum alignment, and ongoing support

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Funding Guidance

Assistance navigating Title funding, grants, and creative budget solutions