Community Art and Action Fellowship
Allentown Art Museum
- Allentown, PA
- $1,000 per month
- Temporary
- Full-time
- Researching areas of need in the community that can be met through arts-based programs
- Establishing relationships and/or partnerships with key community partners and stakeholders
- Participating in and leading community meetings and advisory boards
- Collaborating with Ed&PE department and other Museum personnel to create programming initiatives and opportunities that:
- Break down barriers of involvement and to enhance the Museum’s community impact and outreach
- Connect with a broad range of stakeholders including children, teens, families, adults, and the community at large
- Advocate, and engage audiences, through a variety of different formats and platforms
- Planning and coordinating arts-based programs – this includes contracting artists, instructors, lecturers, speakers, performers etc., setting program goals, managing all related programming activities, working with marketing department to promote programs, and evaluating program outcomes
- Maintaining the budget for key programs and develop future budget resources.
- Recording retention for programing including attendance, feedback, program impact records through software
- Managing sponsorships and awards, along with the Education and Public Engagement and Development teams
- Assisting department with other events and programming including Hispanic Heritage Month programming, Lehigh Valley PRIDE, Back to School programming, MLK Day, etc.
- At the conclusion of the fellowship, giving a community presentation highlighting the fellow’s programs, their impact, and future plans.
In the first phase of the fellowship, participants embark on a comprehensive journey of community research, aimed at identifying specific needs that their projects can effectively address. Their responsibilities encompass active participation in pertinent community gatherings, including the Arts Commission and ASD's community meetings, to gain critical insights. Furthermore, fellows are tasked with establishing key partnerships for their projects and securing commitment letters from partner artists and organizations. This phase culminates with the development of a project proposal, a pivotal document that outlines the project's budget, timeline, and a comprehensive risk assessment. This proposal serves as the guiding blueprint for the subsequent three phases of the fellowship, shaping the trajectory and impact of their initiatives.Phase 2 – Program Development and Implementation (4 Months)
During the second phase of the fellowship, fellows transition from planning to active implementation of their project proposals. They take the lead in bringing their programming initiatives to life while concurrently seeking out further community partners and stakeholders to enhance the project's reach and impact. Collaborating closely with AAM staff, fellows will devise effective evaluation tools to assess the progress and outcomes of their initiatives. Finally, they will be responsible for facilitating the project brand development, marketing materials, including blogs and blurbs, and other promotional resources to showcase their work and community partnerships, fostering greater engagement and awareness. Phase 3 –Phase 3 – Ongoing Program Outreach and Partnership Development (4 Months)
In the third phase, fellows continue their programmatic endeavors while actively adapting and refining their initiatives based on the valuable feedback and evaluations gathered in the second phase. This adaptive approach ensures the projects remain responsive and effective. Fellows also sustain their efforts in identifying and cultivating essential partnerships that have the potential to leave a lasting impact beyond the fellow's one-year tenure at AAM. These enduring collaborations serve as a vital catalyst for the project's longevity and broader community impact. As a pivotal step in this process, fellows are tasked with securing letters of support from one or more strategic partners, affirming the commitment to ongoing collaboration.Phase 4 – Project Reporting and Future Planning (2 Months)
In the final phase of the fellowship, fellows conclude their projects and present deliverables defined in the first phase. These deliverables can range from exhibitions, curriculum guides, published articles, or books, ensuring a tangible and lasting contribution to the community. Moreover, fellows undertake the responsibility of delivering a comprehensive community presentation that encapsulates their fellowship experience, the programming they have implemented, and the metrics employed to gauge success. This presentation not only serves to recognize the instrumental role of key partners but also sheds light on ongoing efforts or deliverables that will endure beyond the fellow's tenure at AAM. Additionally, fellows transition into the role of mentors for the incoming fellow, sharing their invaluable insights and advice to empower and guide the next generation of changemakers in this position.Additional ProgramsThe fellow will provide additional planning and program support for the following Education and Public Engagement programs:
- Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
- JuneTEENth
- PRIDE Programming
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Bilingual speakers (Spanish and English) will be prioritized for this position
- Passion for community building and programming that centers equity, inclusion, and accessibility
- Demonstrable experience in social advocacy, diverse audience building, and community service
- Experience in art education, community art, and program/event planning
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work 10-12 regular hybrid hours per week (mix of in office and remote)
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint)
- Either 3+ years of professional experience OR Bachelor’s Degree in studies related to Art or Community Engagement such as Fine Art, Art Education, Art Therapy, Museum Studies, Social Services, Humanities, Communications, and/or Cultural and Social Sciences.
Applicants for the fellowship program will be considered based on their qualifications and the viability of their social practice programming goals. To apply, please provide the following:
- Resume
- 1-2 paragraph proposal summarizing your desired project(s), target audience/community, and rationale
- Completed
- Name and website of your desired non-profit/social service community partner(s) (with names and contact information, if known)
- Mapping a Theory of Change
- Arts and Civic Engagement Toolkit
- Planning and Designing Arts-based Civic Engagement Projects
- Sample Audience/Participant Questionnaire [PDF]
- Areas of Impact: Civic, Artistic, Institutional [PDF]