The Janet Langsam Vault Project is based on the belief that artists are visionaries who advance social change on both a micro and macro level. The Vault Project seeks to create an opportunity for artists to experiment, expand their practice, and have their voices heard. ArtsWestchester will provide funding for artists to conceptualize and realize site-responsive installations which also engage with important topics in the community. Of the project, Langsam says, “as vaults traditionally hold objects of high value, this space will be a permanent venue for artists to create, explore, and contribute to meaningful conversations. It is meant to elevate the intrinsic value of the arts beyond the marketplace.”

In 1998, as CEO of ArtsWestchester, Langsam led the acquisition and restoration of the People’s Bank & Trust building, a nine-story historic landmark now known as the Arts Exchange. Langsam sees the transformation of the building into an arts center protecting the building as a trusted place for the community. Artist studios, an exhibition and performance space, and educational opportunities are available for area residents and visitors year-round. The Mosler Safe Company’s vault is the focal point of the Grand Banking Room gallery. During ArtsWestchester’s initial renovation of the building in 2000, the vault was converted into a discreet gallery within a gallery. The 168 square foot space is ideal for promoting intimate experiences with outstanding works of art.

About the Opportunity:

Artists are invited to submit proposals for the Janet Langsam Vault Project. Selected artists shall receive a grant of $2,500 to realize site-responsive installations. Artists should consider the following in shaping proposals:

• The Vault space is an opportunity in which to change or create an environment. The goal is for the viewer to have a thoughtful interaction by engaging with the work. This is not an opportunity to exhibit individual works of art, but rather to create an immersive experience.

• Successful proposals will envision the space with a message/narrative/clear point of view. All media will be accepted.

• Projects can be provocative, keeping in mind we are an inclusive public space, with a broad audience, which includes many young viewers as well as diverse cultural communities that make up Westchester.

• Applicants should be able to demonstrated a capacity to develop/create an expansive installation.

• Awards will be made by a panel of professionals in the art field.

Application Materials:

- Contact information (name, address, email, etc)

- Vision Statement for the Vault Project (250 words)

- Proposal (up to 5 images of sketches/models/etc)

- Previous Works (up to 3 images)

Timeline: 

RFP opens November 17, 2024

RFP deadline January 31, 2025

Finalist Interviews February 2025

Announcement of Finalist April 2025

Installation August/September 2025

Exhibition September 2025 - January 2026

Terms:

- Funds are all-inclusive of the needs of the project. ArtsWestchester will not pay past the allotted amount for additional expenses.

- ArtsWestchester reserves the right to decline all proposals if none meet the criteria as scored by the panel.

- Funds will be disbursed after all agreements are signed. 50% will be given at signing and 50% upon satisfactory completion of the installation.

- ArtsWestchester reserves the right to terminate the project if it is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or not in keeping with the approved proposal.

- ArtsWestchester will clean and prep the Vault prior to installation. Artists can expect white walls and lighting at the beginning of project.

Questions can be sent to Adam Chau, achau@artswestchester.org

TEACHING ARTIST ROSTER APPLICATION

DEADLINES: MARCH 31ST AT 5 PM AND SEPTEMBER 30TH AT 5 PM

OVERVIEW & GUIDELINES

What is a teaching artist roster? 

ArtsWestchester administers a Teaching Artist Roster. It is an online resource for Westchester-based schools and community agencies who want to work in collaboration with an artist and conduct an artist residency.

What is an ‘artist residency'? 

An artist residency is a highly structured, multi-session workshop that fosters learning in and through the arts. Generally, workshops are sequential, each session building upon the previous ones. Teaching Artists develop and implement residencies in collaboration with educators or, in the case of human service and community agencies, with the site staff. In schools, residencies serve as an instructional tool, helping students to master core curricula content in other subjects as well as addressing the Common Core Standards in the Arts. In day-care centers, after-school programs, mental health facilities, shelters, and other community settings, residencies foster cognitive, developmental, social and individual skills and abilities basic to success in school, in life, and in the workforce.

What criteria must be met?

• Must be an active professional over the age of 18
• Must have independent insurance coverage (health, liability, workers compensation, etc.)
• Must have undergone a New York State Background Check (Fingerprinting)
• Must have current body of recent work
• Must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with schools and community agencies
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must possess knowledge and understanding of curricula and the needs of particular groups (children, seniors, teens, individuals with disabilities, etc.)
• Must have experience conducting residencies/hands-on workshops

How does an artist apply for the program? 

Complete this Teaching Artist Roster application through ArtsWestchester's Submittable portal.

What is the selection process? 

ArtsWestchester secures an independent panel of professionals in the field to review all applications and recommend artists to the Teaching Artist Roster that are qualified to conduct art programs in schools and community sites. In addition to reviewing the application, the panel convenes 5-6 weeks after the deadline for a brief interview with each candidate. Candidates will be informed in advance of their interview date and time.*  

What kind of remuneration can an artist anticipate? 

It is the responsibility of the artist to negotiate their payment with the school and/or community site. However, based on current industry trends, the Teaching Artist panel recommends the following fee structure: 

• $150 per planning session (1 – 1 ½ hours)
• $350 per full-day session (Between 3 and 5 ½ hours, including set-up and clean-up time),
• $200 per half-day session (1 – 3 hours, including set-up and clean-up time),
• $150 per wrap-up session (1 – 1 ½ hours)

*Note that artist residencies always include a planning session but may not always include a wrap up session.

How will an artist know their status? 

On behalf of the Teaching Artist panel, ArtsWestchester will inform all candidates their status by letter 6 weeks after the interview process. 

What happens if an artist is accepted onto the Teaching Artist Roster? 

After receiving the welcome letter and attending a recommended new artist orientation, the artist now qualifies to be listed as a Roster Teaching Artist for opportunities to partner with schools and community sites.  Many schools and community sites require that an artist has been cleared/fingerprinted by the New York State Education Department in order to conduct on-going programs at their sites. Failure to be fingerprinted can/will result in a lost opportunity to work in a school or community site. Many schools and community agencies administer residency programs in partnership with artists. These entities select the artists through recommendations and other resources, one of which is the Teaching Artist Roster. If selected by a school and/or community agency, artists will have the opportunity to sharpen their teaching skills by conducting educational art programs and supplement their income while continuing their professional growth.

What happens if an artist is not accepted? 

If not accepted into the Teaching Artist Roster, the artist may reapply at a later date. Artists may set-up a consultation with an ArtsWestchester Arts-in-Education staff member to discuss the panel’s feedback on their application.   

* If there are an insufficient number of applications, the Teaching Artist Roster panel reserves the right to rollover all submissions until the next deadline. All applicants will be notified of any postponements.

Who may contact with additional questions?

Please contact ArtsWestchester at 914-428-4220 and ask to speak with an Arts in Education staff member. 

Early Deadline:  Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:59pm

Final Deadline:  Tuesday, December 17,  2024 at 11:59pm
 

Questions: grants@artswestchester.org

To view the Arts Alive 2025 Guidelines, please click HERE. 

The 2025 cycle of Arts Alive is focused on engaging new applicants, particularly individual artists. For questions and to see the schedule of info sessions and office hours please visit the Grants page by clicking HERE.

Note: you will receive an email confirmation once the application has been successfully submitted.  If you do not receive a confirmation email then the application submission may not have gone through, please review the application for any errors.  If you submit prior to the early deadline you will receive staff feedback and the opportunity to make small edits, if needed.  Please contact grants@artswestchester.org with questions.

Early Deadline:  DECEMBER 11, 2024 at 11:59pm

Final Deadline: DECEMBER 17, 2024 at 11:59pm Questions: grants@artswestchester.org

To view the Arts Alive 2025 Guidelines, please click HERE.  

The 2025 cycle of Arts Alive is focused on individual artists and engaging new applicants.  For questions please arrange a time to speak with a Grants staff member, availability can be found here.

Note: you will receive an email confirmation once the application has been successfully submitted.  If you do not receive a confirmation email then the application submission may not have gone through, please review the application for any errors.  Please contact grants@artswestchester.org with questions.